The Mysterious Lord Marlowe

by Anne Herries

  ‘Would you give me a place in your household, sir? I do not ask for much—an under-footman would suffice for my needs. I want honest work.’

  ‘Serve me well, and I shall repay you in the way you wish,’ George promised. ‘I am going to meet Lord Lanchester. Ride with me and tell me what you know of this rogue that we should all like to see punished.’

  ‘I will that, sir, and rightly gladly. He is a rogue and the sooner he meets his fate the better.’

  Chapter Eleven

  ‘There is a letter for you,’ Lady Mary said, entering the parlour where Jane was sitting with a book. ‘It has Lord George’s frank. I am certain it is good news and you have been worrying for nothing, dearest.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Jane took the note eagerly and broke the wax seal. She read through the first few lines, then looked up with a smile. ‘It is good news. George has made up his differences with Andrew. My brother has written to The Times newspaper to announce our engagement.’ She turned the page. ‘Andrew sends his love and says that we should have the wedding at home as soon as we are ready to go ahead. He will join us here in Bath for two days before he returns to his regiment. George says that he has an errand and will be with us by the end of the week—which is three days.’

  ‘We shall have done most of our shopping by then,’ Lady Mary said. ‘Any work the seamstress has not completed can be sent on. If the wedding is to be held at your home, I believe we should hold a little dance here, my love. This house does not have a room large enough, so I shall go today to see if we can hire one of the public rooms.’

  ‘That would be perfect,’ Jane said. ‘I would prefer a quiet wedding at home with only our close friends and relatives, but the dance would be a good way of repaying all the kindness and hospitality we have received here, Godmother.’

  ‘That is exactly what I thought,’ Lady Mary agreed. ‘Does Lord George say what kind of an errand detains him, my love?’

  ‘No, just that he is delayed and will see us at the end of the week.’

  Jane was thoughtful as she folded her letter and tucked it into her reticule. Was Lady Mary right in thinking she had been worrying for nothing? A tingling sensation at the nape of her neck was telling her otherwise. Her fiancé had not given her a reason for his errand, but she suspected it might have something to do with Captain Blake.

  He had spoken of giving her time to decide if she wished to marry him, but her mind was made up. To be his wife was what she wanted above all else. She could only hope he felt as she did that their wedding should be as soon as possible.

  She held her sigh inside, wishing that she was not still haunted by the shadow of her recent abduction. Blake had been so very vindictive. She could not think that he had given up his plans for revenge.

  * * *

  ‘I am sorry, my lord,’ Stark said as they left the seedy inn, which he had told George was the haunt of highwaymen and rogues. ‘I know Blake has been involved in dealings with various rogues who frequent the inn. They are a close-mouthed lot, but they know me and if one of them had seen him, they would have told me. I have been given the name of another inn where he might be hiding out. I suggest that you return to Bath to your young lady, sir. I shall continue the search, and if I discover anything, I’ll let you know.’

  ‘If you find him, follow him. Keep close, but take care that he does not see you,’ George said. ‘Send word to me and I will set the Runners on him. I shall not have time myself so I must leave the search to you and others.’

  ‘Am I right in thinking that your wedding has been announced, sir?’

  ‘A notice has been sent to The Times. It should appear this weekend. We shall be announcing it to our friends in Bath and then travelling to the country for the wedding. Why do you ask?’

  ‘If Blake hears of the wedding, he may try to do something on the day, sir—or the day before. You should make certain that you have adequate protection for your young lady, in case he tries something.’

  ‘Jane is under surveillance the whole time,’ George said, his mouth set in a grim line. ‘If anyone tries to harm her, my people have instructions to shoot immediately.’

  ‘I should have known you needed no instruction from me,’ Stark said and smiled oddly. ‘I’ll see if I can discover where Blake is hiding, sir. The sooner he is caught and punished, the better.’

  ‘You know that he might incriminate you?’

  ‘You’ll speak up for me, sir?’

  ‘Yes, certainly.’

  ‘Then I’ll take my chances.’

  ‘If you have no luck with your new lead, come to Bath. You are a useful man to have, Stark.’

  George nodded to his self-appointed bodyguard and they parted company.

  * * *

  Jane returned the books she and Lady Mary had borrowed from the lending library and crossed the road towards the teashop opposite. She wanted to purchase some bon-bons for her godmother and knew that Lady Mary was partial to the marchpane comfits.

  Her shopping finished, she walked home at a brisk pace. It had rained earlier in the day and there was a chill in the air, which made her feel she would be glad to be in the house. Lady Mary was giving a dinner that evening and Jane did not wish to be late. She saw that a carriage was driving quite fast down the road she wished to cross and paused at the edge of the pavement, glancing one way and then the other as she waited for it to pass her.

  It was as she was about to step into the road that she felt a prickling sensation and glanced behind her. A man was standing a few paces away. He was staring at her and she was certain he had been watching her with his one good eye, the other being covered by a black patch. Normally such an affliction would have roused her sympathy, but there was something about the man that made her nerves jangle with apprehension.

  Feeling chilled, Jane ran quickly across the road and knocked at the door of her godmother’s house. It was opened to admit her, but she looked back to where the man had stood. He had moved on a little, but she had the feeling he would loiter somewhere and watch the house.

  ‘Is that you, my love?’

  Lady Mary came into the hall as Jane took off her pelisse and chip-straw bonnet, handing them to the footman who had admitted her.

  ‘Yes. Have I been ages?’ Jane asked, moving towards her. ‘I kept meeting people and they all wanted to say hello or wish me happy.’

  ‘Yes, people are amazingly kind. Another three gifts were delivered this morning,’ Lady Mary said. ‘Your brother has arrived, dearest. He seemed to think that George would be here before him, but it is not so.’

  ‘His letter said the weekend. This is Saturday, but I suppose he might have meant tomorrow.’

  Jane frowned anxiously as she went into the parlour and saw her brother standing before the fireplace. The housekeeper had thoughtfully lit a fire for them, because the afternoon had turned chilly. ‘Andrew—how are you?’ Jane greeted her brother and went to kiss his cheek.

  ‘I am perfectly well,’ Andrew said and held out his hands, looking into her face as she took them. ‘What of you, Jane? I had your letter, but I wanted it from your own lips. You are quite sure this is what you want?’

  ‘Yes, perfectly. I was not certain that I wished to marry, but all my doubts have gone. I love George very much. I do not think I should know what to do if I were to lose him now.’

  ‘He certainly cares for you,’ Andrew said and smiled. ‘You know my objections—but I shall admit that he has redeemed himself. Mariah had nothing but praise for the man who rescued her.’

  ‘She is staying with her friends now, I think?’

  ‘I believe she may have left with them for Italy. There she will be cared for and safe—and should soon recover from her ordeal.’

  ‘I am glad for her sake.’

  ‘As we all are, of course.’

  Jane looked at him in silence for a moment. ‘Are you smitten, Andrew? Have you fallen in love at last?’

  Her brother frowned, then, ‘To be honest with you, I do
not know, Jane. I feel something—but it may be sympathy. I dare say time may help to clarify my feelings.’

  ‘If I were you I should not leave things there, Andrew. Could you not take an extended leave from your duties, whatever they may be?’

  ‘You think I should follow her to Italy?’

  ‘If you like her enough, I think it might be a good idea—but I must not interfere, Andrew. You are my brother and I should dearly love to see you settled and happy, but only you will know if your heart is engaged.’

  ‘There are things that must be put right before I could marry.’ Andrew frowned. ‘And must the heart be engaged? Many couples marry for mutual respect and fortune, Jane. Mariah might do well to marry so that she is no longer the target of fortune hunters—but I am not certain of her feelings.’

  ‘That would not do for me. I suspect that you are too like me to be satisfied with such a marriage.’

  ‘Then I shall consider my options—after your wedding,’ Andrew said. ‘Tell me, dearest sister—what would you most wish for as a wedding gift? I dare say Marlowe has all the silver and linen you will ever need—so something for your personal use, perhaps?’

  ‘You are the fourth person to ask me that question today,’ Jane said. ‘I was asked twice on my way to the library and once in the teashop.’

  ‘Really?’ Andrew’s brow creased. ‘The engagement can only just have been announced in the papers. Lady Mary must have spread the word.’

  ‘She has many friends here. I dare say she told them in confidence. Everyone is so kind.’

  ‘Yes—but if everyone knows, then Blake must know, too. George is still concerned about that rogue, though for myself I believe he may have taken himself off abroad. He must surely know there is a warrant for his arrest?’

  ‘Yes, I am certain he would know.’ Jane was thoughtful. ‘I was followed from the library this afternoon. I saw the man before I returned the books and again before I crossed the road just now. I was wondering—is George having me protected?’

  ‘Yes, of course. Had he not seen to it I should have employed Runners myself. We do not want a repeat of what happened in London, Jane.’

  ‘I thought it must be so,’ Jane said, feeling relieved. ‘I was a little nervous of the fellow who followed me today. I have caught a glimpse of others, but this one seemed to intend me to notice him and I wondered…’ She shook her head. ‘No, I shall not imagine things. George will be here later today or tomorrow. Our dance is in three days’ time and then we shall go home.’

  * * *

  George glanced over his shoulder. He could see no one, yet he had an uncomfortable feeling that he had been followed for the past hour or so. He had stopped a few miles from Bath to rest his horse and eat his dinner. It was after he left the inn that he had begun to sense he was being followed. Somehow he did not think it was Stark this time and a prickling sensation at his nape told him that whoever the man was, his intention was not good.

  George regretted his choice of inn. It was not one he would normally frequent. He ought in truth to have spent the night at the last decent posting inn he had passed, but he wanted to keep his word and reach Bath before Jane retired for the night. However, it was dark now and his shadow would find it easy enough to creep up on him before he knew what was happening. He urged his horse a little faster. The sooner he was in Bath the better.

  The shot came from somewhere to his left and passed so close to his cheek that he felt a breeze. Had he not chosen to put his horse to a gallop, it would no doubt have found its mark.

  Once again his sixth sense had come to his rescue. George could not be certain that the would-be assassin was in the pay of his enemy. It might just be a thief hoping to pick off an easy victim and rob him, but George’s instincts told him that Blake meant business. He was no longer thinking in terms of a ransom, but meant to kill George—and perhaps Andrew and Jane, if he could manage it.

  Bending forwards over his horse’s neck, George raced through the darkness. He had taken a chance travelling alone, but he would double his efforts to make certain that Jane was protected from Blake’s spite.

  * * *

  Jane heard the knocker just as her foot was on the first stair. She halted, turning to look as the footman opened the door. Seeing the man she had longed for, she gave a glad cry and ran to him. George stepped forwards and caught her in his arms, holding her close.

  ‘My dearest,’ he said and gazed down at her face. ‘Were you so anxious for me?’

  ‘I could not help it. I know you will call me foolish, but I have been on thorns this past hour, thinking something had happened to you. I had almost given up hope of seeing you this night and was on my way to bed.’

  ‘As it happens, someone did take a pot shot at me in the dark,’ George told her. He took her hand and kissed it as she gasped. ‘You must not worry, my love. I am here safe with you—and I shall be with you now constantly until our wedding. I do not think we need to delay more than the customary three weeks for the banns to be read—do you?’

  ‘I am sure of my mind—if you are?’

  ‘I was never in doubt,’ he said and smiled, taking her hand. ‘Lady Mary was good enough to offer me a bed until we go to the country. We shall be together all the time, Jane.’

  ‘Yes. I shall enjoy that, George. I know you have had me watched. Why did you travel alone?’

  ‘I trusted my instincts and they served me well twice. The first time I was being watched for my own safety, which is a long story and will keep for tomorrow—the second may have been Blake or simply a rogue looking for someone to rob.’

  Jane shivered. ‘I wish that man were in prison. He is evil, George. I think he would kill us all if he had the chance.’

  ‘He shall not have it,’ George said, taking her hand firmly and drawing her into the parlour. The candles were burning low, because everyone else had gone up and Jane had lingered until the last. He put his arms about her, holding her pressed against his body. Jane lifted her head for his kiss. ‘You mean the world to me, my darling. I do not intend that Blake and his rogues shall spoil our happiness.’

  Jane melted into his body, her heart racing as his lips caressed hers. His tongue sought entrance, teasing her as he kissed her deeply, forcing all else from her mind. All she could think of was the sweetness of his kiss and the deep need he had aroused within her. Her body cried out for things of which she had no experience, and she looked up at him with love and desire.

  ‘I can hardly wait for our wedding day. I want to belong to you, to be yours completely.’

  ‘You can be no more impatient than I,’ George told her and kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose and then her lips once more. His hand caressed the nape of her neck, sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. ‘I have thought of you constantly, my love. I want to make love to you so much.’

  ‘I want it, too,’ she said, her lips parting on a sigh. ‘Everyone is in bed. We are alone…’

  George gave a husky laugh. ‘You have no idea how you tempt me, my darling. Yet I shall not anticipate our wedding. You are innocent and lovely and you would give generously, but I am determined that everything must be perfect for us.’ He stroked her cheek, then kissed her once more. ‘Go up now, dearest. I shall stay and have a brandy before I seek my own bed.’

  ‘I love you,’ Jane said and smiled. ‘I am so glad you are here now. Everyone has been asking for you.’

  She left him and went back into the hall and up the stairs. Her godmother looked out as she passed the door of her bedchamber.

  ‘Lord George has arrived safe and sound?’

  ‘Yes, Godmother. He is here.’

  ‘I was certain he would be,’ Lady Mary said. ‘You will sleep soundly now, my love.’

  ‘Yes, I shall,’ Jane agreed and smiled.

  She would not worry her godmother, though she was certain that Blake had not given up his quest for revenge.

  Alone in the parlour, George sipped his brandy as he sat by the
dying embers of the fire. The attempt on his life meant that he would have to be on his guard the whole time. An attack was unlikely to take place in Bath in daylight, but at night, on the road to Jane’s home—or on the day of the wedding—he would have to double the men protecting them all.

  * * *

  The next morning George accompanied the ladies to the Pump Room to meet and be congratulated by all their friends. After seeing Lady Mary comfortably settled amongst ladies of her own circle, he and Jane went walking together through the streets of Bath. Jane bought an impressive intaglio cameo brooch set in gold for her godmother and George insisted on purchasing a pretty turquoise-and-pearl, heart-shaped pendant on a fine gold chain for Jane.

  ‘You will spoil me,’ Jane said. ‘I did not bring you here to buy me a present.’

  ‘Would you spoil my pleasure?’ he asked, a teasing look in his eyes. ‘Am I wedding a scold?’

  Jane laughed. ‘It is true that you hardly know me, but I promise I shall not scold you—at least not often.’

  George laughed out loud. ‘Please do not make promises you cannot keep. You have scolded me from the first, my dearest one, and I would not have it different. This is the first time we have been shopping together, though it shall not be the last. I want to share all your pleasures, Jane—and I dare say I shall buy you many gifts on our honeymoon.’

  Jane took his arm and they continued to walk along the street, stopping to glance into the windows of the shops they passed, ending by taking coffee and cake in the teashop opposite the library.

  Reminded of the previous day, when she had been followed, Jane glanced over her shoulder, but could see no sign of the ruffian who had seemed to stare at her so oddly. She frowned, because the man had looked to be a rough sort and she was not certain he had been one of the Runners George was employing.

  However, she decided against voicing her doubts, because they had had such a happy time that morning and she wanted to put the shadows of the past few weeks out of her mind.

  ‘A penny for your thoughts?’

  George’s teasing words brought her back from her reverie. ‘I was just thinking how pleasant this is,’ she said. ‘I am so very happy, George. I can hardly believe that we shall be together always. I never expected to be so fortunate.’