“Let us say, for the sake of argument, I am in love with my wife.” There. It was uttered, and he did not combust in a puff of smoke. “How would you recommend I proceed?”
to catch a fallen spy
chapter thirteen
As was her usual routine, Elaine dressed for a visit to Caroline’s, where they gathered to discuss men, children, and sex. Although Cara and Sabrina also remained in town, both nursed sick babies, so it would be a rather small and quiet affair. After securing her bonnet, which matched her lavender wool gown and coat, she tugged on her gloves, collected her reticule, and strolled into the hall.
Skipping down the stairs, she glimpsed her handsome husband and mustered a smile. To her surprise, he noticed her presence, and her heart skipped a beat. Was it possible the tide had turned in her favor. Had the previous afternoon’s wild romp broken through the last barrier?
“Where do you think you are going?” His acerbic tone halted her in her tracks.
“To Caroline’s, as usual.” She blinked. “Why?”
“I told you there would be no more visits, and I am well aware of your schedule.” Clutching her arm, he retraced her movements. “You are not permitted to leave this house, but you are free to do as you wish within the confines of these walls.”
“But you cannot be serious.” Anger surfaced and flared like a fever. “I am to be a prisoner because you overreact to a few unfortunate events?”
“I am not overreacting.” The flush in his face hinted at unleashed ire. “Lord Waddlington wants you dead, and I will protect you, even if I have to lock you in your suite, and I do not give a damn about Brethren independence.”
“You would not dare do such a thing.” That was it, the final straw. “You have no right.”
“I have every right, as your husband.” As if to prove his point, he hauled her upstairs.
“Husband?” she spat. “You use that term lightly, sir, as you want nothing to do with me outside our bed.”
“You wanted me.” Ross all but dragged her into her apartment, and she marveled that he knew its location. “Well you have me, and I command you to confine your activities to our residence, unless I am with you, but I have no plans to tempt fate again.”
With that, he slammed shut the door, and she shook her fist at him. Emitting an unladylike invective, she threw her reticule across the room and yanked off her bonnet. Just as quick, an idea formed in her brain.
Exchanging her coat for a warm shawl, she grabbed a book from her night table and returned to the foyer, whereupon an agent from the Corps cast a sheepish expression.
“Hello.” She glanced left and then right, and there was no sign of Ross. “I should like to read in the back parlor, but I prefer privacy, if that is all right with you.”
“Of course, Mrs. Logan.” The handsome young man nodded once. “I can sit in the hall.”
“How accommodating are you.” As if some marauding barbarian was going to assault her amid power blue lace and coordinating damask. Slow and steady, she glided to the back of the first floor, slipped into the tiny receiving chamber, and pressed her ear to the oak panel.
It was quiet, so she dropped the book on the chaise, tiptoed to the large window, flung open the sash, and made her escape. In the alley, she checked for any sign of an agent, but she suspected they rested comfortably inside, so she darted to Farm Street.
On the corner, she paused for traffic and was just about to cross the road, when someone tapped her on the shoulder, and Elaine jumped and shrieked.
“What are you doing out here?” Caroline rocked on her heels and chuckled. “Ross sent word early this morning that I could visit you, because you could not travel to see me. My rig just dropped me at your doorstep, when I spotted you.”
“No.” She gritted her teeth. “That man is impossible. He has made me a prisoner to his paranoid delusions.”
“So I gather you did not wish to go back?” Caroline twined her arm with Elaine’s. “Shall we walk? It is a brisk but sunny day, and I could use the fresh air, as Trevor dotes on me.”
“Oh, a walk sounds lovely.” Elaine steered them toward Park Lane. “And why does Trevor dote? Is everything all right?”
“Everything is more than all right.” Caroline giggled. “I am pregnant.”
“Dear sister.” Elated at once, Elaine halted and hugged her friend. “I am so happy for you.” And then tears beckoned, as Elaine recalled the sorry state of her marriage.
“There, there.” Caroline offered her handkerchief. “Tell me everything.”
And so they toured London, sharing tales of marital woes, and Elaine realized that, when it came to relationships, the real work began after the nuptials. But while the Brethren husbands stumbled, they shared one thing in common: an unimpeachable desire for their wives, and that was what Ross lacked.
Perhaps he did not want her.
Indecision marked the brief tenure of their union, and Elaine resolved to make amends and, if necessary, grant his freedom. Because she simply could not maintain the lie their marriage had become.
“What time is it?” asked Caroline.
“I know not.” Elaine shrugged. “And where are we?”
“There you have me.” Caroline scanned the area. “But there is a passing hack. Flag the driver, and let us ride home, as Trevor is to fetch me there.”
“Oy.” Elaine waved, and the black hackney pulled to the curb. “Can you take us to 25 Farm Street, in Mayfair?”
“Of course, ma’am.” The dirty driver bared a toothy grin.
Seated in the squabs, Elaine tried to raise the shades, but there were stuck. Just then, the rig lurched and pitched, and she fell to the floor. “Good heavens, he is dangerous.”
“We could find another way back.” Caroline tottered precariously.
Elaine pounded on the side, but the driver did not respond, so she grasped the door latch. When she discovered it would not budge, she peered at Caroline. “I think we are in trouble.”
#
After his wicked row with Elaine, Ross spent the next couple of hours in his study, trying but failing to work. So he yielded the logs and sat before the fireplace to consider his visit with Trevor and Everett.
The simple truth was he loved his wife. That was why he tried so hard to protect her, and he suspected she was in real danger, regardless of her thoughts to the contrary. But he needed to share his feelings with her. Needed her to understand that is was concern for her life that drove him to extremes.
As he drained the last of a glass of liquid courage, he strode into the foyer, where one of his men stood guard. “Agent Simmons, where is Mrs. Logan?”
“Allen is guarding her in the back parlor, Sir Ross.”
So Ross turned on his heel, just as someone knocked at the door. Given his presence, he received his caller. “Trevor? What brings you here?”
“I am to pick up my wife.” He chucked Ross on the arm. “Is she ready?”
“But Caroline is not here.” Ross narrowed his stare. “When was she supposed to arrive?”
“Our driver dropped her here this morning.” Trevor stepped across the threshold and hollered at his man. “Where did you leave Lady Lockwood?”
“On the sidewalk, my lord.” The driver scratched his temple. “Her ladyship spotted her friend and bade me stop at the corner.”
Ross sprinted, full speed to the back parlor and found his agent sitting in the hall. He flung open the door, and a blast of cool air hit him in the face. There, at the rear of the room, was an open window. “My God, Elaine is gone.”
to catch a fallen spy
chapter fOURteen
A surly character with black hair, a jagged scar on his left cheek, and a black leather eye patch revealed a pistol in the waistband of his breeches, as he loomed on the sidewalk, and Elaine descended the hired gig, with Caroline in tow, at St. Katharine Docks.
“Cavalier.” Caroline clutched Elaine’s hand. “Trevor was right, and we are in trouble.”
“You will be, if you shout the alarm.” The villain made no attempt to disguise his bold inspection, as he examined Elaine from head to toe. “Jean Marc Cavalier, most definitely at your service, Ma Puce.” Then he turned his scrutiny on Caroline and scowled. “A pleasure to see you again, Lady Lockwood. Now get in the jolly boat, without protest, else I will shoot you, right here, and avenge my brother’s death.”
“There is no need for violence, sir.” Myriad options occurred to Elaine, and she stepped in front of Caroline. “Lady Lockwood is with child. Would you harm an innocent babe in your thirst for vengeance? I will make you a bargain. Let her go free, and I will accompany you without complaint.”
“You talk too much.” The notorious pirate leered. “Now get aboard, else I will slit your throat, and then you will not be able to make a sound.”
“No need to make threats, as we will cooperate.” Elaine locked arms with Caroline, and they followed another irascible tar. In a low voice, she said, “Whatever happens, do not antagonize him, and let me direct our exchanges.”
“All right.” Caroline peered over her shoulder. “Elaine, I am frightened.”
“So am I.” In that moment, she thought of Ross and his repeated warnings. If she survived the ordeal, she owed him an apology. Of course, she supposed she had better odds of winning Ross’s heart than evading the band of buccaneers.
As the sun set on the horizon Cavalier rowed toward a ship at anchor, and Caroline gasped. “Oh, my god. It is the Black Morass.”
“Indeed.” Cavalier winked when he caught Elaine staring at him. “Lord Waddlington told me where to find her, and I stole her from the English thieves who took her from me. Once again, she hides in plain site.”
“So Waddlington hired you to kidnap me, Mr. Cavalier?” Elaine inquired, as she shuddered.
“No. The fancy lord paid me to kill you, and make it look like an accident, but you are a persistent little thing.” The blackguard smiled. “And call me Jean Marc, as I would become better acquainted with you, Ma Puce.”
The mere suggestion revolted her, and she cringed. “You will keep your distance, sir, as I am a married woman.”
“Yet I found you unguarded.” At the ship, which bore the name Liberté and reeked of a fresh coat of paint, Cavalier lifted Elaine and Caroline to his men, and they gathered on deck. “This way, ladies.”
So different from the Brethren vessels, the Morass appeared tattered and worn upon closer inspection. And the dirty and unshaven crew terrified Elaine, so in silence she acknowledged her fear and wondered how Ross might react under similar circumstances.
As they descended the companion ladder into the bowels of the craft, Cavalier pulled Elaine to his side. “Tyne, secure Lady Lockwood in the hold, and see to her comfort. If she is harmed, I will kill the man responsible.”
“Aye, sir.” The sea dog dipped his chin and grabbed Caroline.
“No.” Caroline struggled, but the sailor outmatched her. “I will not leave Elaine. Cavalier, do not touch her.”
“May I offer you my hospitality, Lady Elaine?” Cavalier ushered her into a relatively clean cabin. A red velvet counterpane covered a massive bunk, and on the wall hung two paintings that depicted nude models engaged in obscene activities no woman of character would willingly glimpse, so she averted her stare. “Have a seat, Ma Puce.”
“I prefer to stand.” While he poured two glasses of some unknown liquid, she searched for means of a possible escape.
“You will sit, or I will tie you to the chair, and I may not stop there.” He shoved a drink into her hands. “It is rum, and it will calm your nerves.”
For a few seconds, she studied the intoxicant before taking a sip, and she choked. “Oh, it tastes awful.”
“I wager you favor brandy, the rich man’s grog.” He slapped his thigh and laughed. “So tell me why Waddlington wants you dead?”
“Why does it matter?” She shrugged, as she pledged to meet her fate with courage. “If you intend to murder me, then have done with it. All I ask is that you grant me a quick and painless end, as I deserve it.”
“Indeed?” Cavalier leaned forward and arched a brow. “Brave words for one so young. Let me guess, you spurned his son.”
“Hardly.” Adopting a refined pose, she considered her response and opted for blunt honesty. “I witnessed Lord Waddlington murdering his bastard and am to testify against him at trial.” In great detail, she explained Cornelius Sheldon’s plot to kidnap Lenore and Lucilla and steal their inheritance, after poisoning their father. “And I have never spurned anyone, because only one suitor ever expressed any interest in wedding me, and I married him.”
“Ah, I should be on guard for an angry husband in my wake.” The pirate scratched his chin. “Perhaps I should betray Waddlington and ransom you.”
“Oh, you need not worry, as I doubt Ross knows I am gone.” The pain of the past shot to the fore, and she revisited countless lonely nights. “He does not love me.”
“But you are quite beautiful, Ma Puce.” Cavalier snorted. “Does he beat you?”
“No. It is worse than that.” Without shame, Elaine admitted the truth aloud. “He ignores me. And I am surprised that you snared me, as no one ever sees me.”
“There is a poignant appeal to your sadness, Lady Elaine.” Cavalier inclined his head. “I could tell Waddlington that I threw you into the river, and you would be free to make a new life with me. We could sail for Jamaica, where the water is warm, and we could swim naked in the ocean.”
“That is a generous proposal, but I am already married, sir.” In shock, she took a healthy gulp of rum. “And I love Ross, despite his indifference.”
“You mistake me, Ma Puce, as I said nothing of marriage.” The pirate, handsome in his own way, appeared amused. “And women do not wed men like me.”
“Why not?” She blinked.
“You are serious in your query.” Cavalier reclined in his chair and folded his arms. “Do you really believe someone could love me?”
“Of course.” It was then Elaine realized she confronted a person with whom she shared much in common. “Everyone deserves to be loved—even you. I suppose you have not found the right lady, but she exists. And when you meet her, you will know it.”
“You sound so sure of yourself, for someone who confessed her husband loves her not.” The pirate captain smirked. “Why should I listen to you, when you do not follow your own advice?”
And there it was, the source of her heartbreak, and she could no longer deny her reality. Ross carried grievous wounds, and she failed in her attempts to heal him. Although he had been frank in his position, she disregarded his warnings to her detriment. “I should set him free, and if I have the chance, you have my word as a lady that I will do so.”
A knock at the door had her glancing over her shoulder.
“Cap’n, Lord Waddlington just arrived, and he demands to see you.” Tyne stumbled aside, as the true scoundrel forced his way into the cabin. “And whatever you are going to do, you had better do it fast, because I believe Lord Fancy Pants was followed.”
“Mrs. Logan.” Waddlington scowled. “Cavalier, we had an agreement. You have your ship, so why is she still alive?”
“It is a curious thing, that sentiment you English call honor.” Standing, Cavalier laughed, and the ominous cackle made her skin crawl as she abandoned her seat. “I suspect you think yourself my superior, given your lofty title, but you are just as unscrupulous as the worst pirate.”
“How dare you insult me.” Waddlington moved toward her, but the pirate captain yanked her to his side. “I want her dead—now. Else I shall summon the Marine Police, have you arrested, and then I will have your beloved Black Morass broken down into kindling for my fire.”
Without warning, Cavalier pulled his pistol and shot Waddlington between the eyes, and Elaine screamed and fainted.
#
After searching the Waddlington’s and questioning Lady Waddlington concerning her husband’s whereabo
uts, only to yield nothing for his efforts, Ross returned to the Ministry, with Trevor in tow, and enlisted additional agents. Despite years of experience in investigation and espionage, in the deep recesses of his mind doubt festered, and he wrestled with indecision and distraction as he envisioned all manner of terrible fates Elaine might be suffering at that moment.
“What can I do to help?” Lord Lockwood paced before the window in Ross’s office at the Corps. “Give me an assignment, else I shall go mad and run amok.”
“There is naught you can do, Lockwood.” And it killed Ross to admit it. “I am no oracle. I possess no powers of divination that might reveal the location of our wives. The best we can do is focus our efforts to find them.” He flipped through his notes and checked his strategy. “Along with Woverton and Raynesford, Agent Barrett follows Waddlington, and I wager the bastard will make a mistake and show his hand. When he does, we will strike.”
“How can you remain calm when our women are in peril?” Trevor emitted a strangled groan of frustration. “Why are we not out there looking for them?”
“And where would we go? Where would you have me begin?” That was the problem. In a city the size of London, there were an infinite number of hiding places for criminals bent on mischief and mayhem, and Ross could not even begin to pinpoint a probable destination. “Patience, Lockwood. In all my years of service, I can attest to the singular observation that more often than not, our targets are captured not because of blind luck or thorough inquiries. Rather, we catch the blackguards and traitors because they get careless in their offenses, or they cannot keep their secrets.”
“And in that time, Caroline and Elaine could be killed.” Bowing his head, Lockwood dropped to a chair. “What would I do without my Caroline? How could I live without her? For these five years, I have been blessed with her presence in my world, and I cannot conceive of a future without her in it. And what of our babes? How will I tell them their mother is gone?”
“It will not come to that.” At least, Ross prayed it would not come to that. “I swear we will rescue them.”
To Catch A Fallen Spy (Brethren of the Coast Book 8) Page 14
