“Hurley, someone is coming,” the shopkeeper whispered from where he stood near the window.
The man growled low in his throat and grabbed her arm. She tried to wrench it free, but he held tight.
“Release me at once,” she demanded.
A knife appeared in his hand. “Come along.”
Despite the threat of the blade, she was certain the worst thing she could do was go with him. That would only put more distance between her and Robert. “No.”
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me clearly.” The blade glinted dully in the dim light as he wielded it near her face.
Fear choked her, clouding her thoughts. Did he truly intend to hurt her for asking questions? With stilted steps, she allowed him to draw her along, wishing whoever the apothecary had seen coming would hurry. This couldn’t be happening. She’d only come to ask questions, not to be threatened.
Before she knew it, the man had dragged her behind the curtain where the odd smell was even worse. Stacks of bottles, empty and full, stood in one corner. A desk scattered with papers was in another. Crates and chests lined a path that led to the rear door.
Hurley.
The name the apothecary had called this man registered with Lillian too late. That had been the name on Oliver’s notes. Could it possibly be the same person? And if it was, what did it mean?
She tried again to wrench her arm free to no avail. “Release me.”
“Not until you answer my questions. What are you doin’ snoopin’ around here?”
Fear made thinking logically difficult. She’d never expected a few questions to result in a knife being flashed before her. Nothing in her experience prepared her for how to deal with the situation. Her best hope was to call out to whomever entered the shop. If they entered.
Her ears strained for the sound of the tinkling bell that heralded a customer. But the tinkle was cut short.
“Sorry. I’m closed,” she heard the muffled voice of the apothecary say.
“I insist otherwise.”
For one wild moment, she was certain the deep timbre belonged to Elijah. But no. That couldn’t be.
“I am closed,” the shopkeeper said again, this time more forcefully.
Lillian opened her mouth to scream for whoever might be requesting entrance.
But Hurley didn’t care for that. “You’d best be quiet,” he demanded. His cold eyes caused her to choke back her call.
The moment was lost as silence filled the shop.
Lillian blinked back tears, promising herself she wouldn’t hesitate at any opportunity to escape or fight that presented itself. But a glance at Hurley’s determined face made her realize she couldn’t wait. She needed to make her own opportunity.
She looked about, searching for something—anything—she could use as a weapon. Though many bottles were near, they’d do little good unless she broke one. With Hurley’s knife in her face, there seemed no chance of that.
Then what?
Did she dare call for help and hope Robert heard her? Surely he’d heard the apothecary state the shop was closed. Had he gone for help?
“If you cry out, you seal the fate of anyone who dares to come to see what’s the matter.” Hurley’s gaze burned into hers, his voice low. “Now tell me what you’re doin’ here.”
With a gasp, she felt the sharp edge of the knife at her throat. Silence continued to fill the front of the shop, stealing what little hope she had of rescue. “Release me.”
“There’s something you don’t understand. This isn’t personal. It’s business. Your questions are costin’ me money.”
“Because you want those terrible ingredients for yourself? To poison alcohol?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t poison it. I merely make it stretch a bit further. Make it more intoxicatin’. I think of myself as a scientist.”
The pride in his voice disgusted her. “How can you claim that? People have been sick from your potions.”
“One bad batch isn’t goin’ to put me out of business. I need to make a living, don’t I? I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth like you.”
“You still know right from wrong. You’ve hurt innocent people in your desire for money. How can you justify that?”
He chuckled, a most unpleasant sound. “I fear our definition of right and wrong differ. Now tell me why you’re askin’ about my special ingredients.”
~*~
Elijah hit his fist on the closed door of the apothecary shop in frustration. The idea of Lillian in there terrified him. But having the door slammed in his face heightened his fear. There could be only one reason—this was the place they sought.
“Robert, what is Lady Lillian doing in there?” Frost asked, his shock as great as Elijah’s at the discovery.
“I-I’m not certain, my lord. This is the third apothecary shop we’ve visited, but she hasn’t made any purchases, only asked a few questions.”
“She’s helping with the search.” Elijah’s heart pounded as his gaze captured Frost’s. “What if Hurley or one of his men is in there? Why else would we be denied entrance?”
Frost’s face paled. “Damn.”
Elijah clasped Frost’s shoulder. “Give me a minute to locate the rear entrance. Then do all you can to break in here.”
Frost eyed the door. “Robert and I will manage.”
“I’ll see you inside. Don’t underestimate whoever’s in there. Assume they’re armed.”
Frost nodded. “Take care.”
Elijah rushed down to the end of the street then turned and found the alley. He counted the same number of doors as he had along the front of the street until he reached what he guessed was the apothecary. He’d know soon enough.
He tried the door, not wanting to alarm those inside. Not surprised to find it locked, he backed up several steps. So much for the element of surprise. He ran at the door with all his might and rammed it with his shoulder.
On the second try, the wood splintered. Hoping Frost had managed the same, Elijah kicked through the door to gain entrance.
His heart caught in his throat at the sight that greeted him. “Lillian.”
Hurley held a knife at her throat, but it was the fear in her vivid green eyes that caught him. The sight sent a chill down his spine, slowing his movements.
Elijah wanted her safe and in his arms. But how? “Drop the knife,” he demanded.
“You must be that damned duke,” Hurley said. “The one who’s caused me so much trouble.”
“By trying to keep you from poisoning people?”
Hurley cursed, causing Lillian to cringe. “It was one bad batch. That’s all. Everything would be in good order if you hadn’t interfered.”
“We have evidence to the contrary,” Elijah advised. “It wasn’t just the one batch that caused problems. People have died because of you.”
Hurley frowned as if the information didn’t make any sense.
“Release the lady,” Elijah said again. “She has nothing to do with this.”
“She stuck her nose in my business. I’m not lettin’ her go.”
Sounds of a scuffle came from the front of the shop, including breaking glass. Frost and his footman must’ve encountered resistance from the apothecary.
Hurley glanced toward the curtain but not long enough to allow Elijah to make a move.
Elijah’s gaze shifted to Lillian. She raised a brow in question as if asking something. But what?
Before he could guess, she rammed her elbow into Hurley’s side, then spun away.
Elijah realized he should’ve known she’d act. She was no wallflower waiting for rescue. He lunged forward and threw a punch at Hurley’s jaw that sent him reeling back. Then he reached for the wrist that held the knife.
Lillian stepped farther away just as Frost appeared from behind the curtain. He helped Elijah subdue Hurley, and together they forced him to drop the knife.
“Lillian, are you all right?” Frost asked.
“Quite
well, thanks to the pair of you,” she said with a tremulous smile.
“Robert is keeping an eye on the apothecary in the front,” Frost said.
But Elijah hardly heard him. He only had eyes for Lillian. He swallowed hard against the fear that still clogged his throat at the idea of her in danger.
The way she looked at him gave him hope that she truly cared.
He tore his gaze from hers and assisted Frost in binding Hurley then brought the apothecary into the back room as well while Robert left to find a policeman.
Time slowed to a crawl until the police arrived and hauled away Hurley even as he proclaimed his innocence. Another policeman questioned the apothecary.
“You’re certain you weren’t hurt?” Frost asked his sister as the three exited the shop.
Lillian nodded. “I’m fine. Truly.”
Frost glanced at Elijah before giving her a stern look. “I have no idea what you were doing here, but we’ll discuss it when we return home.”
“Of course,” Lillian said with reluctance.
“Might I have a word with Lillian?” Elijah asked.
“Now?” Frost asked, his brow furrowed.
“Yes, now.” Elijah knew this wasn’t the time or place but after seeing her in danger, he couldn’t wait a moment longer. Life was too short. Besides, the feelings bubbling up inside him demanded release.
Lillian’s gaze held onto his and all else fell away.
Elijah was aware of Frost easing back to give them a bit of privacy, and the police kept curious passersby from lingering, but none of that mattered.
He took both her hands in his and drew her close. “When Hurley held that knife at your throat—” The image stole the words he intended to say. He swallowed hard, hoping he could continue. Afraid of saying too much and chasing her away, he reined in his emotions. “I realized how much I’ve come to care for you.”
Her lashes swept down to hide her thoughts for a long moment. Had he said the wrong thing? Had he misread her feelings for him and frightened her?
“Elijah,” she whispered, her lashes lifting, so she looked at him once again with tear-filled eyes. “I love you.” She said the three words with such deliberation.
The breath left his lungs in a whoosh as his heart expanded. How could he have thought he needed to hold back to keep his heart safe? Not from Lillian. She was his heart. “I love you so very much.”
Her tremulous smile was all the reward he needed.
“I have several more things to say, but it would be best if we had some privacy,” he said, suddenly aware of the gathering crowd who’d stopped to see what happened despite the police trying to keep them moving.
“I look forward to it.” She squeezed his hands, her eyes sparkling.
In a short time, he, Frost, and Lillian, as well as Robert, were alighting at Frost’s residence.
Elijah took Lillian’s arm as they made their way up the front steps and into the foyer. He turned to Frost. “I’m going to have a word with your sister and then it’s time for us to have that conversation about my intentions.”
Frost chuckled. “Based on my sister’s smile, I look forward to it. I shall await you in the library.” He shifted to kiss his sister’s cheek. “I’m pleased to see you so happy.”
“Thank you.”
Unable to wait another moment, Elijah drew Lillian into the empty drawing room then into his arms. When she returned his embrace, holding him as though she’d never let go, his heart expanded even further. With a groan, he kissed her, gently at first, then deeper as desire took hold.
“Lillian,” he whispered between kisses. “You have opened my eyes to so many things and dared me to become a better man.”
“I didn’t understand the power of love until I came to know you. You’ve changed me as well. For the better.”
“My life will only be complete with you in it.” He dropped to one knee. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” His heart lurched at the moment of silence that followed his question. Was he pressing her too quickly? Should he have allowed her more time before proposing? “I realize it won’t be easy becoming a duchess with so many demands placed on you, but—”
“Dear Elijah,” she said breathlessly as she placed a hand along his cheek, her eyes glowing with happiness. “I can do anything with you at my side. Marrying you would be a gift beyond measure. A privilege, in fact.”
He smiled. “Is that a yes?”
“It is indeed. Yes, yes, yes!”
He stood, his world righting itself when she lifted to kiss him, her lips soft and warm beneath his and full of promise.
~*~
Lillian touched the engagement ring on her finger, still unable to believe all that had happened in the last two days. She gave a nod to reassure Julia and Oliver who walked just behind her as she stepped into the Pennsboro ballroom.
The whispers and stares started the moment she entered. She kept her smile firmly in place, refusing to allow any doubts to rise. Her gaze caught on Violet, who beamed with happiness for her. Mrs. Fairchild stood beside her and smiled politely as well.
Violet had already explained that while her mother had been disappointed at first to learn Elijah was engaged, she liked the idea of her daughter being friends with a soon-to-be duchess.
Lady Margaret stood just behind Violet, a scowl twisting her lips in an unattractive manner. Lillian didn’t bother to give her a second look.
As she started down the few steps that led to the ballroom, Elijah strode forward to meet her and took her hand.
“Good evening.” His voice gave her the most delicious shivers along her body. “You look especially beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you,” Lillian said.
The duchess winked from where she stood slightly behind Elijah. Lillian smiled, proud of herself for accepting his compliment.
She hadn’t realized she could be quite this happy. With her arm firmly tucked against Elijah, she turned to look back to where her mother and father were.
They’d already met Elijah and his mother and given their blessing to the match.
Her mother joined her, greeting Elijah before turning to Lillian. “You truly do look lovely. I wasn’t certain about that gown, but you were right. It’s perfect.”
Lillian gave a start at her mother’s words.
“What is it?” Elijah whispered.
“This evening continues to amaze me.”
He smiled. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Her father spoke to them both before joining her mother to visit with the duchess who greeted them both warmly.
“She seems truly happy for the first time in a long while,” Elijah said as he watched them.
“I’m so pleased.”
He turned back to her. “I have you to thank for that.”
She opened her mouth to deny it but stopped. “I’m happy if I helped, but I think we did it together.”
“Even better. Shall we dance?”
“Please.” Anything to be in his arms once again.
“Burbridge.” Viscount Rutland appeared at their side before they’d taken a step, a scowl upon his face even as he bowed.
“What has you looking so dour?” Elijah asked as he returned the gesture. “I thought you’d be pleased the alcohol served this evening won’t unduly harm anyone. Unless they drink too much, of course.”
“That’s something at least. While Hurley won’t be leaving prison any time soon, the police refuse to arrest McCarthy.” Anger simmered in Rutland’s eyes.
“Not enough evidence to connect him to Hurley?” Elijah asked.
“No. Hurley refuses to name him as an accomplice.”
“That is unfortunate. But as many illegal activities as the man is involved in, surely another opportunity to catch him will arise.”
Rutland merely shook his head clearly disgusted with the situation.
“Please tell me you were able to improve his mood,” Dalia Fairchild, his fiancée, said as she curts
ied.
“I believe that power resides with you, Miss Fairchild,” Elijah said with a smile.
Dalia laughed before giving Lillian’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Congratulations. I’m so pleased to hear the good news.” She turned to Rutland. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to add?”
“Yes, yes. Wonderful news,” Rutland said though his thoughts clearly weren’t on them.
Dalia bumped him with her elbow as she gave him a pointed look.
With a sigh, he gave a concerted effort to shake off his poor mood. He took Dalia’s gloved hand and raised it to his lips, his expression softening before he turned back to them. “I offer my sincere congratulations.”
Lillian smiled. “Thank you.” She was becoming quite good at expressing her gratitude.
“Rutland, I promise we will find a way to stop McCarthy. But right now, you’ll have to excuse us as I’m going to dance with my fiancée.”
Flutters filled Lillian at the intensity in Elijah’s blue eyes. “Lovely.”
He escorted her to the dance floor and drew her into his arms for a waltz. “You are indeed lovely.”
“And you are such a wonderful man even if you are a duke.”
He laughed in response.
They’d taken several turns before he smoothly swept her into a secluded alcove.
“I can’t wait another moment to kiss you.” He took her lips with his, lingering there. His hands squeezed her waist then eased upward to the curve of her breasts, causing her to melt as the heat of his body seeped into hers. “I want you desperately.”
“Oh, Elijah,” she whispered breathlessly. “I never dreamt when I came to London that love would be the result.”
“You dared a duke. And dare I say we both won?”
She laughed. “Yes, we certainly did. I love you more than I could’ve dreamed.”
“I love you more than life itself. Forever.”
“And ever,” she vowed before rising on her toes to kiss him deeply.
******
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Dear Readers,
Daring the Duke (The Seven Curses of London Book 7) Page 28
