London Calling

by Sorcha Mowbray

  As soon as he spotted them in the doorway, Carrick stood and met them partway. “Do you know this man?” he asked, gesturing over his shoulder.

  “No.” She shook her head. “He doesn’t look familiar at all.”

  “You’re certain?” Carrick pressed.

  She took a few steps closer. “Quite certain.”

  “He has been rather insistent upon seeing you,” Carrick told her.

  The man lifted his head. “You’re Beatrix Wadeworth?”

  “Maybe she is and maybe she isn’t.” One of Carrick’s men leveled a pistol on the man. “Perhaps you’d like to tell us why you want to know.”

  The man squinted up at her through his swollen eye. “Yeah, you’re Wadeworth’s daughter. You favor him just a bit.”

  Trixie inched closer. “What difference would it make if I was?”

  “We know you have the book,” the man told her.

  “What book?” she asked.

  He looked at her as if she were daft. “Your father’s journal, of course. If you want to see your brother alive, you will return to London and await further instructions. You have two days to comply.”

  “Why should I believe you?”

  “My employer is not a man to be trifled with. If you are difficult he will send evidence of your brother’s stay with him. Trust me when I say you won’t like the evidence and yet you won’t be able to refute it.”

  She marched forward before anyone could stop her and slapped the man across the face. “Where is Peter and what do you want with him?”

  The man simply grinned. “I want nothing to do with him but my employer is an entirely different matter. You have two days.”

  The man’s mouth twitched then he tossed his head back.

  Carrick brushed past her. He grabbed the man’s head and fought to pry his mouth open. Within seconds the man’s mouth filled with foam and his body jerked with spasms.

  “Dammit,” Carrick swore.

  Trixie stumbled backward. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “Poison,” Nathaniel answered.

  Carrick wiped his hands on his trousers and nodded.

  The man slumped to one side.

  “What…?” Trixie’s eyes widened in horror. “Is he dead?”

  Nathaniel pressed two of his fingers against the man’s neck then nodded.

  She swallowed the bile that had risen in her throat.

  “Well, at least we know that Peter is still alive,” Nathaniel said.

  “For now,” Gerard added.

  Nathaniel and Carrick scowled at Gerard.

  Trixie took a deep breath and stiffened her spine. “Now what?”

  “Now we make plans to return to London,” Nathaniel told her.

  Her voice fell flat. “So you think I should just turn over father’s journal to them.”

  “No. Unless that is the only way to save Peter.”

  “Then I suggest you get busy extracting everything you can from that book while you can,” Carrick suggested.

  “Agreed.” Nathaniel reached for Trixie’s hand.

  She resisted his tug. “Don’t we need to set out for London?”

  “Yes, but leaving in the middle of the night is beyond foolish. For all we know his friends are waiting for us on the road outside the estate. We will be better off resting tonight, making a plan for travel tomorrow, and finding out what is in your father’s journal in between. After all someone is willing to kidnap and die for this book.” He cast a meaningful glance at the man still tied to the chair.

  “I’ll make arrangements to get us to London,” Carrick said.

  Nathaniel raised a brow. “Us?”

  “You don’t think I’m about to miss out on all the excitement, do you?” Carrick said.

  Nathaniel chuckled.

  “I suppose you’re going to make me stay here and hold down the fort?” Gerard grumbled.

  “Not at all.” Carrick slapped Gerard on the shoulder. “I say we make it a family outing.”

  Gerard’s grin widened. “Excellent. I’ll notify Mrs. Jones we’ll be leaving for London as soon as possible.”

  “Very good.” Carrick faced Nathaniel and Trixie. “I assume Nathaniel told you about your airship?”

  She cringed. “He did.”

  “I’m sorry. But since it is now out of the equation do you have any preferences for transportation?”

  Trixie looked to Nathaniel.

  “Train would be faster than carriage. And with the four of us traveling together, perhaps safest too.” Nathaniel suggested.

  Trixie nodded her agreement.

  “I’ll see to it,” Carrick told them. “I have a bit of estate business to settle in the morning. But if we’re able to make the proper arrangements, we may be able to leave late in the afternoon. I believe there is a late train we could catch that runs into London.”

  Nathaniel tipped his head toward the dead man. “What about him?”

  “The Constable is expected in the morning for the other man. We’ll just add this one to his inquiry.”

  Trixie crinkled her nose. “Does that mean we’ll have to answer questions?”

  “Probably not. I know the constable well. Once he sees the evidence and talks with my men, he’ll be able to put together the pieces. I’ll let him know you’re a RIO Investigator and that a complete report will be filed when you return to London. That should satisfy him.”

  “Good.” Nathaniel reached for Trixie’s arm. “I’m going to escort her back upstairs. Do you need me for anything else this evening?”

  “No,” Carrick waved them on. “I’ll have the men double the watch until dawn. You should get what sleep you can. It’s likely to be a long trip tomorrow.”

  “You need to rest, too,” Trixie reminded him.

  “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Carrick gave her a wink then rejoined his men.

  18

  The next morning Trixie woke to an empty bed. Nathaniel had indeed returned to her room with her but didn’t make love to her again. She’d been disappointed but heeded his warning that she would be tender since it had been her first time. He had made up for it by holding her all through the night.

  Being cocooned in his arms had been the only reason she had fallen asleep. Worry for Peter had plagued her ever since they left the storeroom. Nathaniel probably sensed it and somehow he’d managed to make her feel protected. Even cherished.

  Her emotions fluttered like kite in a storm. Her night with Nathaniel bordered on magical. If not for all of the danger and intrigue, it would have been. However her fears for everyone’s safety continued to plague her – most especially for Peter. Then right on the heels of her fear came her anger at whoever wanted to harm them. In direct conflict to all of that, she was oddly excited by the adventure their trip had turned into. They mystery behind the danger intrigued her and she was determined to solve it.

  By the time she finished washing and dressing she had pushed those feelings aside so she could focus on the things she could do something about. Then she headed downstairs to the library to learn what the men had planned for the day.

  She found Nathaniel at the desk decoding her father’s journal. He was so wrapped up in his work that he didn’t even notice her approach the desk. “Good morning.”

  He looked up from his notes. At first his eyes were distant but as soon as they focused on her he smiled. “Good morning.” He reached for her hand then pulled her to him for a tender kiss.

  She blushed. “I see you’re hard at work already.”

  “Yes. I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your key to unlock the journal.” He set the pen aside and pulled her onto his lap. “I agreed with Carrick’s suggestion about decoding what we could before we reach London, but I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “No, I don’t mind. I trust you.”

  He kissed her again and set her pulse to racing.

  “Are you ready to go home?”

  “Yes and no. Other than the attacks on our lives,
I’ve enjoyed being with you. I worry it won’t be the same when we return to London.”

  “It won’t but—

  A commotion in the hall had Trixie leaping off Nathaniel’s lap. She prayed her pinkened cheeks didn’t incriminate her. They turned toward the door in time for Carrick to breeze into the room.

  “Ah, good. You’re awake.”

  “Good morning, to you too, Carrick,” Trixie said.

  “Yes, yes. Good morning.” Carrick waved the formalities away. “I was coming to ask Nathaniel a question about you.”

  “Oh?” She raised one brow.

  “Do you ride?”

  “Yes, but if you’re asking in preparation for our journey I feel I must warn you that I haven’t much experience riding long distances.” She grimaced. “We’ve always lived in London so I usually walk or take a coach. I am far more comfortable aboard an airship than horseback.”

  Nathaniel asked Carrick, “I don’t suppose you gave in and had your coach repaired, did you?”

  Gerard snickered as he strode into the room. “Finally.”

  “Aunt Patricia came for an extended visit a few months ago so I was forced to for her sake,” Carrick grumbled.

  Nathaniel chuckled. To Trixie he added, “It has been a long-standing joke that the day he began using his coach would be the day he picked out his burial spot.”

  She quickly reassured Carrick. “I can ride.”

  “You can use the carriage,” he assured her. “Nathaniel can ride with you. Gerard too, if he prefers. But I’ll ride with my men.” He shrugged. “It might make the trip safer for you anyway.”

  “I suppose it makes sense to assume the attacks have been about me,” she said.

  The men exchanged glances.

  “That is the most logical conclusion,” Nathaniel said slowly. He reached for her hand. “But now that their message has been delivered they may back off.”

  “Not an assumption I will be making,” Carrick said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll see to the rest of the preparations.” He paused. “Oh, Gerard, Warrick will be here at noon.”

  “I take it that you wish for me to attend?” Gerard asked.

  “Yes. But we won’t be reviewing the accounts until after lunch.” Carrick shook his head. “That old codger knows just when to show up to finagle a meal.”

  “Perhaps that’s why we thought he was a distant relative for so many years.”

  Carrick chuckled. “Maybe so.” He sailed out of the library.

  “Gerard, I was about to seek out Mrs. Jones for a tea tray for Trixie. Would you like anything?”

  “Please. I missed breakfast so anything to tide me over to luncheon.”

  Nathaniel squeezed Trixie’s hand. “I’ll be right back.”

  She gestured to the desk. “May I review what you’ve already translated?”

  “It’s your book so I don’t see why not.”

  She nodded then went to the desk to see what Nathaniel had done. There were several pages already transcribed. From the corner of her eye, she watched Gerard move from one bookshelf to another.

  When he set a stack of six or seven books on the table she asked, “Are you planning to take all of those to London?”

  “I am.” He sat on the couch and propped his feet up on the ottoman. “The library in the London place is nothing in comparison to this.”

  “I would think not. From what little I have seen in detail, this is a wonderful collection. I could happily spend years in here and not be able to read everything.”

  “That’s probably true. I have certainly made an effort.”

  Nathaniel returned and joined her at the desk. “Anything of the notes stand out to you?”

  She smiled up at him. “Not so far.” Every time she looked at him she had flashes of moments from their lovemaking. Her cheeks grew warm along with other parts of her body.

  His lips twitched as if he could read her mind. “Perhaps you could assist me with the decoding?”

  “I’d love to. How can I help?”

  “I can read the decoded words out loud if you’ll write them down,” he suggested.

  “I can do that.”

  As they worked, Mrs. Jones arrived with the tea tray. Nathaniel took it from her and carried it the desk. Trixie poured for herself and Nathaniel.

  “Gerard, would you care for tea or biscuits? Mrs. Jones sent a few slices of ham and cheese as well.”

  “Excellent.” He pulled a chair up to the desk.

  They snacked and decoded pages for a couple of hours until Edward announced that Mr. Warrick has arrived. Gerard excused himself. Not long after Edward came to tell them that lunch would be served in the dining room shortly.

  Lunch was a short informal affair due to the number of chores Carrick needed to handle before they could leave. As soon as they finished eating, Carrick, Gerard, and Mr. Warrick headed to the study while Nathaniel and Trixie returned to the library.

  Once they were alone again he asked, “How are you feeling today?”

  “Fine.” Realization of what he was truly asking set in. She blushed. “Oh. Yes, I am fine. I admit to being relieved to be able to ride in the carriage today though.”

  “I suspected that would be a better option for you.” He kissed the back of her hand. “I wish I could tell you that you’ll be perfectly safe during the trip but you are far too intelligent for that. I can assure you that Carrick will take every precaution at his disposal. His men are dedicated and well trained.”

  “Well trained in what?”

  “Carrick took a different route in his service to the crown. Since he had two older brothers in line to assume the title he believed he was in a position to take more dangerous missions during the war. Many of the men you see here are old comrades who needed employment, and quite frankly, a place to recover.”

  “I see.”

  “They’re all good men. And quite loyal to Carrick. I believe we will both be in good hands.”

  “That does ease my mind. Thank you.”

  They spent a delightful couple of hours working on the journal and made a surprising amount of progress despite the number of deliberate and not so deliberate touches and heated glances.

  Finally Carrick came and announced their readiness. “Samuel is overseeing the preparation of the horses. We can leave within the hour if everyone is in agreement.”

  Trixie tipped her head. “My things are packed. I would just need few moments to freshen up.”

  “Excellent. Nathaniel I assume you can be ready in time?”

  “Certainly. What can I do to help?” Nathaniel asked Carrick.

  “Everything is well in hand. I assume you be joining Beatrix in the carriage?”

  Nathaniel glanced her way. “Yes, if that’s all right with you?”

  “I would appreciate the company.”

  “Very good. I’ll return when everything has been prepared,” Carrick told them.

  “I suppose we should go up and get our things,” she suggested.

  “Yes.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Carrick gets rather impatient. We wouldn’t want to be the reason for a delay.”

  He escorted her up the stairs then paused as if he wanted to say something. The look in his eye sent shivers of delight through her. For a moment she thought he might follow her to her room but instead he told her, “I’ll meet you in the library shortly.”

  She frowned. If he hadn’t been so attentive to her in the library she might have thought he had been disappointed by their lovemaking. Perhaps he decided there wasn’t enough time before they needed to leave for any kind of interlude. She was far too new at these things to know for certain but some of the more scandalous stories whispered about the ton made it sound as if couplings occurred rather quickly in some of the strangest locations.

  If they ended up in the coach alone, she would ask him about it.

  19

  Carrick joined Trixie, Nathaniel, and Gerard in the library. “Everything is ready.
Your bags are already in the carriage.” The four of them headed to the stable yard. Some of Carrick’s men were already in the saddle. Others were checking the tack on their mounts.

  Nathaniel handed Trixie up into the carriage then gestured for Gerard to proceed him.

  He glanced back at the solid walls of Carrick’s ancestral home. More than once he’d been tempted to lock Trixie inside while he looked for Peter. The only thing stopping him from doing so was the knowledge that she would never forgive him. Especially if anything did happen to Peter. So, for now, they would let the villain’s game play out.

  With one last salute to Carrick he climbed into the box. Gerard had claimed the corner opposite to Trixie so Nathaniel opted to sit beside her. He gave her a reassuring smile as they waited for the rest of the group to mount up.

  Within minutes they were rolling away from the estate.

  “Do you have the journal?” Nathaniel asked once he took his seat.

  “Of course.” She patted her skirt where the pocket lay.

  “Once we exit the manor grounds I’d like to put that into the hidden compartment.”

  “Carrick has a hidden compartment in his carriage?”

  “Of course.”

  “What ever for?”

  “We don’t ask a lot of questions in this family,” Gerard said blandly.

  Trixie looked to Nathaniel. “It is handy to have an out of sight place to store weapons or even a bottle of spirits.” He added, “Just in case.”

  As soon as they crossed the estate boundary the landscape changed into large open fields. Nathaniel gestured to Trixie. “Let’s put that journal away now.”

  She handed it over without question.

  Gerard swiveled his feet up onto the bench. Nathaniel pressed a hidden latch in the wood paneling and popped open a small drawer. Inside the drawer lay a pistol wrapped in linen and a handful of banknotes. He dropped it in, closed the drawer, and then verified the latch held.

  Gerard closed his eyes and presumably fell asleep once again.

  Trixie whispered to Nathaniel, “Is he one of those people who prefers the night?”

  Nathaniel chuckled. “Seems so.”

  “Peter goes through phases like that. When he’s onto something with his research he often gets his days and nights mixed up. I can go days without seeing him upright.”