Michael stood upon her entrance and hurried to her side. He led her to the settee situated across from Lady Lancaster and they sat down together.
“How are you, my dear?”
Hope blushed at the use of such an endearment in front of Lady Lancaster. For all that it was an act, she wished the feelings were sincere. “I am fine, Michael.” At his continued look of concern, she insisted, “I really am! I promise.”
I promise, Hope repeated silently to herself. So many promises…to her father, to Michael, to herself. She hoped she could keep them all and retain her sanity, as well.
“I assume you received my note?” she asked, needing a change of subject.
Nodding, Michael replied, “Yes, I did. You seemed a little, ah, driven when you wrote it. Were you able to speak with your father?”
Laughing almost hysterically, Hope said, “Driven? Yes, I suppose that’s as good a word as any. I did speak to my father. He denies any knowledge of the whole affair.”
“I gather you do not believe him, Hope-girl,” Lady Lancaster surmised.
Sighing, Hope’s mania faded. “I honestly don’t know what to believe anymore, but he is hiding something, that is certain.”
“Does he suspect he is being investigated?”
“No, no, I don’t think so,” Hope reassured them both. “I told him I was doing my own research into the hoax…”
“And what did he think of that?” Lady Lancaster asked, eyebrows raised.
“He was not…ah…happy about it,” Hope admitted. “In fact, he ordered me to stop. He said the men involved were dangerous.”
Michael exchanged a look with Elizabeth. “And you told him…?
Hope looked up at Michael in surprise. “I told him what I had to to keep my conscience clear, but I am not stopping this investigation.”
Lady Lancaster leaned forward to rest her hands on Hope’s knees. “Are you sure, girl? When I assigned you this task, I had no idea your father may be involved. Perhaps asking you to continue is unfair of me.”
Hope smiled softly as she looked at her benefactress with gratitude and a fair bit of resolve. “You aren’t asking me to continue, I am telling you that I must. Father or not, this crime cannot go unpunished and, as you said, I am the most qualified person to unravel this mystery.”
…
Sitting back and looking at the strong, intelligent woman across from her, Lady Lancaster could not help but feel proud. She always knew Hope had an inner strength well beyond that of anyone she knew, and finally, the girl seemed to be realizing for herself her self-worth and her surfeit of remarkable merits. It was a joy to see.
“Very well, then,” Lady Lancaster announced. “Michael has told me of your plan to arrest De Berenger today. I think that is a good move. Already, based on the information Michael has given the committee, arrests are being made. The lesser conspirators will be picked up today, as well as Mr. Butt. Lord Cochrane and his uncle will be handled more delicately due to their station; however, I suspect they will be taken into custody within the next few days. And your father, Hope, is still as of yet unknown to the committee, but if De Berenger implicates him in any way, there is nothing else for us to do. You do realize that?”
“Yes, my lady, I am aware. If De Berenger names my father as a part of the scam, I will abide by the law and see him punished.”
Hope appeared confident in her convictions, but Lady Lancaster doubted if even she knew how hard it would be when—if—the time came for Mr. Stuckeley to be arrested. Aside from the basic scandal, the man was a member of the House of Commons; an agent of the government that he helped to defraud. The people would not take kindly to that, and the backlash to he and his family was bound to be great.
“Two members of the committee are on their way to arrest De Berenger with the Bow Street Runners now. We are to meet them there, so we had best be on our way,” Michael added.
Hope stood immediately and looked over at the duchess. “Lady Lancaster, did you want to accompany us?”
“Oh no, my dear. I am quite comfortable here. I will expect a full report, however.”
“Yes, my lady, of course.”
With a nod, Lady Lancaster bade them good-bye and Hope went to change into something a bit more ladylike while Michael went to wait for her out front.
…
During the ride over to the rented lodgings of Du Berenger, Hope and Michael had little to say to each other. Hope was worried about what the imposter would tell them, and clearly Michael was worried about her. He kept a tight hold on her hand and she tried to remember the last time she had been free and happy enough to laugh with her friends over a man, their first kiss, and dreams of what such a kiss could possibly mean. It was probably just a few days ago, but it felt as if a lifetime had passed since then.
When the carriage came to a halt, Hope and Michael exited the vehicle to find they had arrived just seconds after the committee members and the Runners had arrested De Berenger.
Michael stepped forward to greet the gentlemen, introducing Hope as his partner. Acknowledging the term with a quick smile, she briskly greeted the group, keeping her contact with them as brief as possible. The committee and the Runners escorted the suspect to their conveyance and headed toward the City and the Magistrate’s office for questioning. Hope and Michael followed in their own carriage. Hope was very much looking forward to hearing what he had to say, so after arriving at the magistrate’s office, she watched intently as Michael posed questions to the prisoner.
…
“Captain De Berenger,” Michael began in a friendly, conversational tone, “may I call you Captain?”
The prisoner just looked stonily back at Michael.
Taking his silence as consent, Michael continued, “I have reason to believe that you played a rather substantial part in the recent scam against the stock market. Posing as a Lieutenant-Colonel Du Bourg, as it were?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” De Berenger replied tightly.
“Oh, but of course you do. I, myself, saw you not a week ago dressed in uniform and calling yourself Du Bourg.”
Michael leaned in close and said, “I was at the Ship Inn the night you sailed into town, my good man. I listened to you spout your nonsense and then I had the most disagreeable night of my life following you hither and non until you reached London. It was you that night; I am willing to swear to it.”
As Michael relayed his tale, De Berenger became more and more pale. And now a light sheen of perspiration could be seen on his forehead and upper lip. Clearly he had not expected to be recognized, much less followed.
“H-h-ow…” he stammered ineffectually before swallowing and trying again. “How did you, ah, know I was not Du Bourg?”
Standing straight again and crossing his arms, Michael replied, “Because I am acquainted with the real Du Bourg. He is a fine fellow. And he is most decidedly not you.”
At this point, De Berenger looked ready to cry. “It wasn’t my idea, you know. Two other gentlemen approached me. They said it would be easy money. All I had to do was act like an officer, throw a few pamphlets around, and spread a few rumors.”
Now we are getting somewhere, Michael thought. “Who were the gentlemen who enlisted your help?”
“A weasel of a man named Butt first contacted me, but his strings were being pulled by someone else. Someone called Cochrane-Johnstone.”
“Are you aware of any others involved in the hoax?”
“Well, there were the men who helped me. They dressed as French officers and scattered the flyers. They had invested in some stocks on Butt’s advice. I gathered that was how they planned to make their money.”
“Anyone else?” Michael prompted. He wasn’t sure if De Berenger would have access to all the parties; clearly he was just a paid pawn in all this, so even if he didn’t mention Hope’s father by name, it didn’t necessarily clear him of guilt. A quick glance at Hope showed she was extremely focused on what De Berenger was sa
ying.
“Oh, yes,” De Berenger added suddenly. “I heard the name Lord Cochrane, once or twice, but I could not get a clear idea of his involvement. And there was one other man who was helpful in planning the day’s events. I believe he also had a little money in the deal, but I don’t recall his name. Older gentleman, connected with the government. I remember thinking it odd that he would be in on the scheme.”
“I see,” Michael said thoughtfully. It was possible the man he described was Hope’s father, but it wasn’t exactly a foregone conclusion. Looking at Hope, Michael knew exactly which she prayed was the truth. In his mind, however, Mr. Stuckeley was not yet proven innocent. Clearly more investigation would need to occur.
Turning to the others in the room, he said, “I believe that answers all my questions for now. Gentleman, I suspect you have more of your own?”
“Yes, Lord Ashmore,” the head of the committee replied. “Can we count on you continuing your investigation? In particular, finding out Cochrane’s role and this other ‘older’ man…who is he and how is he involved?”
“Of course, sir. I will inform you at once if I discover anything.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
Nodding to the men, Michael walked over to Hope, and together they exited the building and returned to their carriage to begin the long ride home to Lady Lancaster’s. They had much to tell her and much to discuss regarding the new information they had received and what to do with it next.
Chapter Fifteen
Revenge is a dirty game…and one in which there is never a winner.
~The Duke of Lancaster
The morning of the Abingdon ball, Hope found herself leaving the house early once again. She had managed to avoid her father the previous night by purposely returning home after nine o’clock. Friday nights were when Mr. Stuckeley’s club met, and he never missed a club event.
She didn’t like having to tiptoe around her father, but he had given her no choice. Her anger had allowed her to present a strong front the last time they had spoken, but now she was not convinced she could keep the look of guilt, suspicion, or pity from her visage.
No, it was better to simply stay away…for now.
Hope and Michael were to meet again at Lady Lancaster’s. They planned to speak to Lord Cochrane today. His name had appeared on their list, as well as on the list they found at Mr. Butt’s house, but they had left him out of the investigation thus far due to Michael’s good opinion of him. However, after hearing Captain De Berenger mention him, they knew it was time to consider his involvement more seriously.
Knowing that they would most likely find the lord at his club, Hope had chosen to dress once more as a gentleman. She had worn the outfit so often lately, she was beginning to forget what it was like to dress as a woman. Certainly, the confinement took some getting used to, but there was something to be said for looking pretty and feminine, especially around Michael.
Hope greatly preferred he not forget she was female. It was such an integral component to their continued relationship, after all.
Hope had little to worry about in that regard, if the heated look Michael gave her when she walked into the Rose Room upon arriving at the Lancaster Manse was any indication. Blushing under such an intensely passionate gaze, Hope allowed one chaste kiss on the cheek before she turned to greet the duchess. Was it possible he was only acting? Drat this arrangement. Hope didn’t like not knowing where she stood.
Michael watched her much like a wolf stalking his intended prey, until Lady Lancaster cleared her throat meaningfully. “Michael! That is more than enough. Please stop looking at Hope as if she were something to eat.”
Grabbing her hands and leaning in close, he murmured softly, “I have missed you, my love. How I long for the days when we can be alone again and wrapped in each other’s arms.”
Hope felt his words all the way to the tips of her toes. There was a new and strange unfurling sensation in her stomach and she suddenly felt very warm—all over and under, if that made any sense.
“Oh, Michael,” she said, in what she hoped was a good-natured tone. “There is no need for this in front of Lady Lancaster.”
Michael looked surprised at himself for a split second and then shook his head. “No, of course not. Just, ah, practicing for the ball tonight.”
“Now then,” the duchess interrupted, “today is the day you plan to converse with Lord Cochrane, is it not?”
Nodding, Michael replied, “That is, indeed, the plan. I still can’t believe he is involved in any way, but it is hard to ignore the facts. He did benefit from the trade, after all.”
“Yes, he did,” Hope agreed cautiously, “but remember, Michael, he sold his shares of stock much earlier than the others. If he were truly part of the scheme, wouldn’t he have waited until the peak time to sell? I am inclined to question his involvement, frankly.”
“Well, we won’t know until we speak with him.”
“Then perhaps you should go do so,” Lady Lancaster suggested. “You have a limited amount of time today. There is the Abingdon ball to attend this evening, as you mentioned.”
“Hope, my dear,” Michael said with a warm look, “you will allow me the honor of escorting you to the ball tonight, will you not?”
“Of course, Michael,” Hope replied instantly. “I assumed as much.”
“Splendid. I shall come around your place about eight then, if that is sufficient?”
“No, no,” Hope replied quickly. “I brought my attire with me. I was hoping I could, ah, change here?” Hope glanced at Lady Lancaster expectantly.
“Naturally, you may; but might I inquire as to why?”
Ducking her head, Hope replied shamefully, “I am avoiding my father.” Raising her head to look at the duchess, Hope continued. “It is cowardly, but until I know one way or the other about his guilt, I cannot look him in the eye. Surely that is understandable?”
Michael squeezed Hope’s hand. “Of course it is understandable. No one here is judging your decision or even disagreeing with it. You are in a difficult place. Avoiding your father is not an act of cowardice, it is one of self-preservation. An act I fully support, by the way.”
“Well said, Michael,” Lady Lancaster applauded. “I am in perfect agreement.” Turning her gaze to Hope, she added, “Consider this house yours, Hope-girl, for whatever or whenever you need it.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Hope whispered, tears welling in her eyes. “And thank you, too, Michael.”
Michael leaned over and gave Hope a quick hug before saying gently, “Are you up for a little investigative work now, my lovely spy?”
Laughing at her emotional state, Hope dried her eyes and announced with a bright grin, “I am more than ready, my lord.”
And truth be told, Hope felt as good as she had in a long while. Perhaps everything was going to be all right, after all.
On the way to Brook’s, Michael took full advantage of the quiet solitude of their carriage. Hope was sure his behavior was still in preparation for their roles that evening, but Michael was positively amorous. There was much hugging, kissing, and whispered sweet-nothings, and Hope found that, as they pulled to a stop a block away from the popular gentlemen’s club, she was beyond breathless and feeling very much a woman.
However, that would not do for the task at hand.
“Michael,” she admonished, “what have you done to my hair? And my shirt!”
Hope was astonished to find that many of the fine garment’s buttons had been undone. When had he done that? Hope was baffled by her lack of restraint or even basic comprehension skills while under the spell of Michael’s romantic attentions.
She was very thankful that he was enough of a gentleman to not take her virtue entirely. Surely, if the last twenty minutes were any indication, she would be completely unable to say no, should the time for saying no arise.
…
The gentleman in question, on the other hand, was as frustrated as hell. He could not seem t
o stop himself from exploring every inch of Hope’s exquisitely rounded form—her ample breasts were a particular and pleasant surprise—and delving into the honeyed depths of her mouth whenever the opportunity presented itself, regardless of the very painfully aroused state in which it left him. So far, he had been able to stop before any permanent damage to her innocence could occur, but he was not sure how much longer he would be able to do so.
Frankly, he needed to work on his self-control. This was all supposed to be an act, but for the life of him, he couldn’t stop himself from playing whenever the urge struck him. He was beginning to think he was falling for the girl. Oh, that would not be good. Despite Hope’s rather eager responses to him, she very clearly saw his courting as a ruse only. Surely she would just laugh at him if he suddenly told her he would rather it were real. Besides, what happened to him not being ready for a wife? For a split second, Michael heard a small voice remind him that a marriage is really nothing more than a partnership and that he worked well with Hope, didn’t he?
The voice sounded suspiciously like Elizabeth’s.
Looking at Hope with boyish chagrin, Michael reached over to help her refasten her bindings and rearrange her hair so that she might pass as the gentleman they needed her to be while at Brook’s.
Seeing her kiss-swollen lips and still passion-hazed eyes was almost his undoing, but he steeled himself the best he could and they finished the job in record time; however, he was more than grateful for the chilly air that enveloped him when they were finally able to exit the vehicle. Honestly, taking a dip in a snowdrift had more appeal than he would like to admit.
“I don’t think we should take long carriage rides alone anymore,” Hope sighed. “Whenever I am around you, my usually infallible modesty flees out the nearest window. It isn’t at all ladylike.”
“I rather enjoy the fact that you are not all prim and proper with me, my dear Miss Stuckeley,” Michael confided slyly.
Hope looked at him reproachfully.
With a sigh, Michael had to admit that Hope had a point about their being alone. “Very well then, we will do our best to avoid long carriage rides by ourselves, and when it cannot be avoided, I will try to employ more willpower…but you will need to try and make yourself less appealing, please.”
Tempting Her Reluctant Viscount (Entangled Scandalous) Page 11
