How can I avoid the Sphinx and my end of the bargain, especially if he brings Teresa into it? He did not have the answer yet, but he was determined to figure it out.
Pulling his cloak tighter once more, he set off for home, praying this visit would not cost him everything.
Chapter 19
“Hello?” Teresa stared into the darkness of the outbuilding, trying to pick out the figure that she knew was here somewhere.
“I didn’t know if ye’d be brave enough to face me, sweetheart.” The eerie voice of Stuart Bollands echoed back.
Teresa steeled herself; this was no time to show her nerves. “I have been left with little choice, Mr. Bollands. You have placed this family in grave danger, and I would like to see if a resolution may be found.”
“Oh aye, and what might ye be offerin’?” He smirked as he emerged from the gloom, the stench of sweat and grime stinging Teresa’s nostrils. A bruise was blossoming across his right eye, and Teresa sensed that one of the elder brothers were responsible. Desperation had driven them to this. She hoped it would not drive them towards something more reckless.
“I have some questions first,” she replied, disliking the lewd tone of his voice.
“Go on, though I can’t promise ye I’ll answer any. I’ve not said aught I didn’t want to, to yer fancy pals, so I don’t imagine ye’ll be any different.”
Teresa kept her distance. “This family of yours, that Lord Luke promised to aid. Are they real?”
A dark expression drifted across his features. “Aye, they’re real. Do ye think a fella like me would get himself involved in somethin’ like this if he didn’t have mouths te feed? I used te be a soldier, before I were shot and discharged. I couldn’t do no honest work, and I couldn’t pay me way, so the debtors came callin’. I heard of the Sphinx and went te him, and he offered te keep them debtors from me door if I worked for him.”
“Have you met this Sphinx?”
Stuart frowned. “No… no, I ain’t. ‘Tis a rare few what actually get te meet him. The rest speak with his henchman, and they pass the message on. Ye get a reply when he’s thought about yer predicament.”
“So, you do not know who this person actually is?”
“I don’t, Miss.”
“Then why did you tell Lord Luke to find him?” Fear wracked her chest.
“Because he’s the only one what decides folks’ fate. If His Lordship wants te get rid of us, he’s got te send word te the Sphinx. Like I say, he’ll think about the Rowfex’s problem and make his decision. If he don’t already know about it, that is. The Sphinx knows all.”
Teresa narrowed her eyes at Stuart. “Would you be able to speak with this Sphinx on behalf of the Rowfex family? Lord Luke has already pledged to help your family. Surely, that is worth a good word from you?”
“It don’t work like that, Miss. I don’t decide who the Sphinx targets.”
“How does he make his choices?”
Stuart shrugged. “It’s about wealth. He picks them what are vulnerable, bein’ out in the countryside like this. And he picks them what have the most to give, in order to get us to leave.”
“Were you the one who attacked me on the road?” It had been bothering her since she had heard of this fellow’s capture, but she had not been courageous enough to broach the subject. Now, however, with him tied up, she felt emboldened.
“I weren’t, Miss. I’ve got a daughter of yer age and a wife what I love. I don’t touch women like that, though I can’t say the same for the rest of me fellas. They’re ruthless—they take whatever they can get their paws on.”
“Do you know who it was, who tried to brutalize me?”
He smiled sadly. “Aye, I do.”
“Who was it?”
“It were the Sphinx himself, Miss.”
Teresa frowned. “I thought you said you did not know who he was.”
“I don’t. ‘Tis curious what a bit of fabric over yer mouth can conceal,” he replied. “I weren’t on duty when ye were hit, Miss, but I heard the tale afterward. It were a pal of mine who were with the Sphinx. He never saw the fella’s face, but he said the man just showed up and announced himself as the boss—said he’d come straight from Salford te see how his operation were going. Me mate were too afraid to ask questions, but it were that selfsame man who caused ye injury.”
“And you really have no idea who this man may be?”
Stuart tilted his head. “I did hear somethin’, once upon a time.”
“What?” Teresa urged.
“I heard he were some uppity fella who’d been cast out of society. He did some lady foul and were stripped of his lands and titles. I don’t know how much of that be true, but he only strikes against them with money. And he’s definitely got an eye fer the ladies. So, perhaps, there’s more truth te it than lies.”
“And his age? Do you know it?”
Stuart thought for a moment. “Thirty or so, I’d say. That were what me pal said.”
“Did he reside in Salford or was he less local to this part of the country?”
“No idea, Miss. Me guess would be, he’s a more local sort. Makes the most sense, since he runs his operations from there. Nobody would do that unless they knew the area.”
Teresa nodded, hope flickering in her breast. Stuart might have said he was unwilling to reveal much, but he had revealed everything she needed in order to locate some potential suspects. There could not be too many gentlemen of high station who had been cast out from polite society in recent years, especially not those of the age that Stuart had said. It would take some research on her part, but at least she had another option—one that did not involve Luke getting himself into trouble.
“Thank you, Mr. Bollands.” She gave an awkward curtsey.
“I’ve got naught else te lose, if Lord Luke is goin’ te take care of me family,” he replied. “That’s the only thing what worries me.”
She was about to leave, when he called her back.
“Although, I should give ye a word of warning,” he said. “If it weren’t ye, I’d not bother, but ye have an air about ye what reminds me of me own lass. And ye don’t seem to be the same ilk as them gentlemen. Yer here te work, yer not one of ‘em. Which makes me want te see that no bother comes te ye.”
“What warning?” She felt sick to her stomach, her mind racing.
“He weren’t too happy that ye got away from him, Miss. The Sphinx, that is. Me pal says the Sphinx wanted te keep that necklace of yours, so he could give it back when he finishes what he started. He said as much. He wants te see ye buried in it. He ain’t a nice man, by all accounts. If ye can, I’d run if I were ye. Get as far from this place as possible, as soon as ye can. I say that as a father. If me own girl were in your sort of trouble, I’d send her to the ends of the earth.”
Teresa’s blood froze as the words sank in. “Thank you,” was all she managed to say, as she hurried from the outbuilding. She did not even pause to speak with the guards as she rushed for the Manor, her lungs burning in her chest as she struggled to breathe.
Rounding the corner, she stopped and sank down against the wall, pressing against the stone so she was out of the rain. There, she tried to regulate her breathing. Black spots danced in her field of vision, as a cold sweat slicked the gooseflesh of her skin. She did not want to believe what Stuart had said. He had likely spoken in order to frighten her. And yet, what if he truly had wanted to warn her? What if the Sphinx was out there, at this very moment, plotting his revenge on her?
It took everything she had to hold onto the contents of her stomach as every terrible possibility played out in her mind. One thing was for certain—she had feared that her relationship with Luke might jeopardize her employment, not realizing that a far greater threat lurked on the horizon. A threat that would jeopardize her life if she stayed.
* * *
Edmund was heading towards the stables, to see if he could garner any further information from their captive, when he noticed Miss Dowels
crouched beside the wall, looking very ill indeed. Without hesitation, he rushed to her aid.
“Miss Dowels? Are you well?” He sank to the ground beside her.
She shook her head. “No… no, I do not think I am.”
“What has happened?”
She looked up, her glistening eyes taking him by surprise. “You will be cross with me if I tell the truth.”
“Speak freely, Miss Dowels. You must.”
She hesitated for a moment, before holding her head in her hands. “I feared for Lord Luke. He wanted to pursue this Sphinx of Salford, though I urged him not to. I did not want him to go there if he did not have to, in case he found himself in danger, so I… I just wanted to help. I visited with Mr. Bollands. He told me a great deal… and ended with a warning that has chilled me to the bone.”
“Go on, Miss Dowels,” Edmund urged, resting his hand upon her shoulder. He usually kept his distance from young ladies, but he could not help but offer a touch in order to comfort her.
“He advised me of who this Sphinx may be—apparently, he is of the peerage, but was cast out for his foul behavior towards a young lady. He may also be of thirty-or-so years. If we try and construct a list of potential suspects, I believe we may be able to apprehend this fellow, and take him by surprise,” she said, her voice gaining strength.
Edmund nodded. “That is exceptionally wise, Miss Dowels, though I do wish you had not put yourself in such a perilous situation.” He paused. “And what did he warn you of?”
“He said that the Sphinx wishes to make me suffer for evading him. He wants to kill me, after he has… I cannot say it, My Lord.” A tear rolled down her cheek, and Edmund fought with the urge to brush it away. “Mr. Bollands suggested that I run, as far from the Rowfex Estate as I can. And, I confess, I do not know what I should do. I do not want to die, My Lord. And I do not want to be dishonored in the most despicable way.”
Edmund took her hand, prompting her to hold his gaze. “I swore that I would protect you, did I not?”
“You did,” she replied shakily.
“I meant that. You have no need to run, because I will ensure that nothing befalls you. My brother and I will see to it.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “As for what you have discovered, I believe this may be the solution to our problems. If we can locate a gentleman fitting the description Mr. Bollands gave you, then we might be able to find this fellow and stop his reign of tyranny for good.”
She blinked slowly. “Do you really think so?”
“I do, Miss Dowels. We should find my brother immediately and begin our research without delay My mother has a book containing all of the peerage, so we may start there. She has a habit of making notations in that book, whenever there is a scandal. I believe it is so she does not match us to a family of ill-repute, but it may prove more useful in our cause.” He offered her a calming smile, eager to rid her of her sadness.
She gave a nervous smile. “Yes… yes, I think that may distract me from Mr. Bollands’ warning.”
“Please, Miss Dowels, do not fear for your safety. I will take care of it,” he promised, in earnest. Miss Dowels was a sweet creature, and the tortured expression on her face did not sit well with him. How Luke could have allowed her to undertake this endeavor was beyond him, when Luke was supposed to be looking out for her. He cannot even do that correctly.
“I will try not to,” she replied dubiously. Keeping hold of her hand, he helped her to her feet. She was a little unsteady, prompting him to put her hand through the loop of his arm, if only to keep her standing. She was shivering with cold, her gown damp from the rain, her cloak soaked. Shuffling off his coat, he put it about her shoulders, to try and bring her some warmth. Together, they walked towards the house, keen to find Luke as soon as possible, so they could begin their task. A mission that could see their lands free of the highwaymen for good.
However, as they made their way through the manor, calling for Luke, it became abundantly clear that he was nowhere to be found. They searched every room and asked every member of staff they encountered, but nobody had seen hide nor hair of Luke. That is, until they headed back out to the stables, to speak with the ostlers.
“Where is he, Davis?” Edmund had lost all patience. Davis was the head of the stables—a stocky fellow with a barrel chest and thinning hair, his beady eyes too close together.
“Who, My Lord?” Davis replied anxiously.
“Lord Luke—where is he? We have searched the house, and nobody has seen him.” Edmund looked across the stables, noticing immediately that Moonstruck was missing. Teresa seemed to notice, too, her hand clamping over her mouth as she began to tremble at Edmund’s side.
Davis glanced back at the empty stall. “He ordered that Moonstruck be readied a long while ago now. Yes, I’d say he left around eleven o’clock. Maybe sooner. I can’t quite remember.”
“Did he say where he was going?” Edmund pressed.
“He didn’t, My Lord.”
“Did he say when he would return?”
Davis shook his head. “He didn’t, My Lord.”
“He has gone to Salford,” Teresa murmured. “Where else would he have gone? He has pursued the Sphinx of Salford; I know he has. Oh, you fool… you silly fool.”
“I think you may be right, Miss Dowels.” Edmund swallowed the irritation that rose up his throat. How could Luke be so reckless? His brother had done many a stupid thing in his life, but this trumped them all. “I told him not to. We spoke about it, and I urged him to wait. I should have known he would not listen.”
“What are we to do, My Lord?” Teresa peered up at him with frightened eyes.
“What can we do?” he replied. “We must wait, and pray that he returns unscathed.”
“And if he does not?” she whispered.
“I do not know, Miss Dowels… I do not know.”
Chapter 20
Unaware of the panic he was causing, Luke returned through the countryside at a leisurely pace, in no hurry to arrive home, not pushing his horse. Although he had switched his steeds several times over the journey to and from Salford, Moonstruck had traveled a great way that day and would take him on the last stretch back to the Manor. In truth, it was a vain attempt to clear his head of the Sphinx and the prospect of future repercussions before he had to explain himself to Teresa.
Unable to delay any longer, Moonstruck trotted through the gates of the Rowfex Estate in the early hours of the morning. Luke went straight to the stables, to see that Moonstruck was safely put back in his stall, before he traipsed into the house and headed for his bedchamber. He paused for a moment outside Teresa’s room, but he did not knock. He could not face her, right now, with so many other thoughts in his mind.
However, as he opened the door to his own bedchamber, he found a note on the floor. Someone had slipped it under his door in his absence. Stooping to pick it up, he read over the words, a mixture of sadness and regret coursing through him.
My Lord Luke,
I must speak with you urgently. Might I steal a word with you tomorrow morning, at your earliest convenience?
Yours Faithfully,
Miss Dowels.
His heart leapt at the sight of her name at the bottom of the message, though it merged with bitterness towards the Sphinx. She must know by now. If she had come to his bedchamber and found him to be missing, she would have tried to find him. A word with the stable master, and she would have been able to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
He was certain he would lose some of her trust, in that he had not listened to her pleas to avoid pursuing the wretch. The ensuing result, which plagued his mind like a dark, hunched monster in the back of his head, would only bring her opinion of him even lower. She would not even need to say so; he would be able to feel the terror and sadness coming off her, the moment he told her of his exchange with the Sphinx’s henchman.
“Should I go to her now?” he wondered, checking the clock on the mantelpiece. At almost three in the m
orning, it was much too late for him to go and talk to her now. The worst possible scenarios flooded his thoughts. Does she wish to tell me she does not want to see me again? Is she going to tell me of her departure, because I would not listen? Perhaps she will spare me the pain of asking her to leave for her own safety, and have done with this catastrophic mess that I have entrenched myself in.
After all, he had behaved idiotically. What other choice did that leave him, but to accept her departure from the Rowfex Estate?
Being the son of the Duke of Rowfex, who held a position of high regard in the Regent’s court, he had wrongly assumed those close to him would be untouchable. Now, he was beginning to see the cracks in the armor of his family’s reputation. Their good name would not protect Teresa from the Sphinx. Nor could he change what he had done. Even if he could meet the Sphinx’s terms to remove the highwaymen, he would not be able to prevent the Sphinx from taking Teresa. Not if she stayed.
An Untamed Governess For The Rogue (Steamy Historical Regency) Page 16
