Lady Overton's Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

  She thanked God for bringing this precious child into her life. Having her and Alex helped immensely while she dealt with her separation from her son. She would put her faith to work, letting God take care of Harry, keeping him safe until she could hold him in her arms again.

  Throughout the afternoon, Anissa spent time helping Melanie with her alphabet. That started a pattern for her days. She spent the morning strolling with her stepdaughter and her afternoons, tutoring her. After Melanie went to bed, she spent time either reading or doing needlework with Georgia and Kathleen.

  Gratitude for the pair filled her heart. She would have gone mad with worry without them to help pass the time. She also had a prayer running softly through her head every day, asking God to keep Harry safe and her faith strong.

  She spent the nights in her husband’s loving arms. Alex did not try to make love to her again. His restraint relieved her, and as each day passed, the memories of the rape began to lessen. She hoped that soon she would be able to enjoy her husband’s intimate embrace again.

  Halfway through the voyage, the ship ran into a storm. Anissa’s stomach rolled as she struggled with constant waves of nausea and could not keep any food down. Alex took care of her as the ship pitched back and forth, wiping her face and bringing her water to rinse her mouth out each time she emptied her belly. She could not have asked for a more caring and concerned husband. Once the storm passed, her nausea abated, leaving only her normal morning sickness to contend with.

  The morning after the storm, Alex joined her for her stroll around the deck. She worried that the storm may have impeded their journey. “Did the storm blow us off course?”

  Alex smiled as he reassured her, “Fortunately, it didn’t. I’m still confident we will arrive well ahead of schedule. The captain is optimistic as well. It feels strange, not being in charge, but Merryweather is doing a fine job. I made an excellent decision in allowing him to take over. It gives me time to take care of you and the rest of my family.”

  “I’m so glad we are still on course. I’m trying to leave Harry’s safety in God’s hands, but some days are quite difficult.”

  He patted her hand tenderly. “Darlin’, I think you are amazing. Most women in your situation would have been hysterical by now. Instead, you have maintained your composure. You have even kept Melanie entertained. Thank you for tutoring her every day. I’m amazed at how fast she has learned her letters. You will have her reading before we finish the voyage. ”

  “It keeps me from dwelling on Harry’s absence. I’m so grateful you brought your family along. Their love and support has helped tremendously. I hope you are pleased that Melanie and I have grown so close. I love it when she calls me mama.”

  “I’m thrilled she’s accepted you so well,” he replied. “I never realized she had missed her mother so much. Since Pamela rarely spent any time with her, I thought she had forgotten her, but I was wrong. Children love their parents, even if they aren’t very attentive.”

  “I think you’re right. Children seem to love their mother and father, even when they neglect them. I have seen that within the ton.”

  By this time, they were nearing the bridge. Alex glanced over his shoulder toward it. “Well, I need to relieve Merryweather, so he can get some sleep. I’m sure he’s exhausted after battling the storm last night.” Then tenderly kissing her cheek, he headed up the stairs.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  September 1802

  The weather for the rest of the voyage stayed mild, and the ship pulled up to the pier on the twentieth. Since no one expected them, Alex left the ship to go procure carriages for them. He disembarked, then walked along the pier, and spied the Renegade. Quickening his pace, he ran up the gangway and spotted Martin. “Is Captain Bridges onboard? I need to see him right away.” Before Martin could answer, his partner stepped out on deck.

  Bridges gave him a startled look and asked, “What are you doing here? I had no idea you were coming to England. Who’s running the shipping office?”

  Relief swept through Alex. Here was someone who could help him. “Maynard’s in charge. A lot has happened. I will explain it all to you later. Is Barrington in town? I need to see him right away.”

  His partner nodded. “He should be here any moment. We’re headed over to the shipping office, once he arrives. The office is next to the large storage warehouse he found. You will be pleased with the premises.”

  While pleased to hear the news, he could not ponder any of it right now. He needed their help with Harry. That was of the utmost importance. “That’s going to have to wait. I need Barrington’s assistance desperately. Lord Howard has kidnapped Anissa’s son. Did he receive my letter, do you know?”

  “He mentioned it,” Bridges replied. “Oh, look. Here he comes now. Let’s go meet him.”

  Hurrying down the gangway, Alex ran to Barrington’s carriage, arriving at the same time his friend stepped out. “Barrington, thank God you’re in London.” Then quickly filling him in on what had happened and what they wanted him to do, he asked, “Will you do it?”

  “Of course, I will be happy to. After all, Harry is my godson. Take me to your wife now, and I shall reassure her. You and Lady Overton—I mean, Mrs. Hawks—are welcome to stay at Chilton House. I’m sure you haven’t thought about where you will stay, with all that has happened. I am amazed you are married to Anissa. I wish you the best, by the way. She is a lovely woman.”

  Anissa stood at the railing, and when she saw them, rushed down the gangway. “Good morning, Barrington. Thank goodness Alex found you so quickly. Did he tell you what has happened to Harry?”

  Barrington bowed over Anissa’s hand, then reassured her, “Your husband has filled me in on everything. I have invited you to stay at Chilton House. Once you are settled, we shall discuss how to approach this situation. Congratulations on your marriage. You have married a fine man.”

  “Thank you,” she replied. “Did my husband tell you he also brought his family with us? I appreciate your kind offer, but I hate to impose on you. I’m sure we could take rooms at the Grillon Hotel.”

  “It’s no inconvenience,” he assured her. “The duchess will love to see you again. She has been worried ever since I received your husband’s letter. Now no more discussion, gather what you need. I shall send my coach back to retrieve the rest of your belongings. Here’s my carriage now.”

  Alex took her hand. “Darlin’, I will stay here. I need to speak with Bridges. I’ll follow with the baggage in a bit. Try not to worry. It will all work out, now that His Grace is willing to assist us.”

  Once Anissa and the rest of his family left with the duke, Alex turned to his partner. “Do you know if the Endurance has pulled into port yet?”

  “It arrived two days ago. Why do you ask?”

  Frustrated, he swore, “Damn, I wanted to beat her here. Lord Howard sailed with Harry on that ship. God, I hope he’s still in London and that Harry is all right. My wife will be devastated when she hears he arrived before us. Of course, he did have an eight day start on us, but I counted on the speed of the Intrepid to get us here ahead of them.”

  Bridges clapped him on the shoulder. “Sorry, old friend, but I’m sure your stepson is fine. I’m amazed you came so close to catching him. Well, let’s get all your baggage down to the pier. That way you can leave as soon as Barrington sends his coach back.”

  With the baggage on the pier, Alex paced back and forth as he waited for the duke’s coach. Anissa would take the news hard when she found out Lord Howard had beaten them by two days. He prayed he was correct. Surely, the bastard would want to make sure everyone knew Harry had arrived back in England, alive and well, before he did anything to him.

  An hour later, he arrived at Chilton House and rushed up the steps. The butler ushered him inside, then led him to the drawing room, where Anissa waited. She stood and ran to him, with terror painted across her face. “Thank God you have arrived. The duchess told me Lord Howard arrived with Harry two days a
go, and he has been parading him around London. Alex, what are we going to do? I want to go see my husband’s solicitor, Sir Eldridge, right away. I need to tell him what Lord Howard tried to do.”

  He pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back, trying to sooth her frazzled nerves. “Bridges told me, but it’s a good sign that he’s showing Harry off. It means my theory is correct. We will leave immediately and go see your solicitor. We should catch him before he leaves his office, if we hurry. Go get your bonnet, while I find a hackney cab.”

  The duchess intervened. “Please, take my carriage. It stays ready at a moment’s notice. I shall have it brought around.”

  Alex bowed to her, grateful for her offer. “Thank you, Your Grace. Your offer is much appreciated. I hope we won’t inconvenience you by being here.”

  “Not at all,” she replied, “Your daughter is entertaining my son, and your mother and sister are charming. Now hurry to the solicitor’s.”

  When Anissa and Alex arrived at Sir Eldridge’s office, he was getting ready to leave. After she introduced him, the solicitor looked flustered as he escorted them into his office and told them to take a seat. “Now, my lady, how may I help you?”

  “You can help me get my son back,” she cried. “Lord Howard stole him from me and tried to have me killed. He plans to poison Harry. You have to help me.”

  Sir Eldridge looked taken aback. “My lady, please calm yourself. I am sure this is all a misunderstanding. Why don’t you sit here and regain your composure while I speak to your husband in the next room.”

  Trembling, she dropped down in the chair. Alex knelt in front of her, handed her his handkerchief and whispered so the solicitor could not overhear. “Please, darlin’, try to calm down. It’s not good for you to get this upset in your condition. I will explain everything to Sir Eldridge, and then I’m sure he will help us.” Patting her hand, he stood and looked over at the solicitor. “I think that’s a good idea. Lead the way.”

  Once the gentleman closed the door to the office, Alex turned to him, determined to get his cooperation. “As you can see, my wife is distraught over what has happened. She is recovering from a gunshot wound, and I don’t want her upset further. What can we do to get her son back?”

  “Captain,” Sir Eldridge replied, “Lord Howard has made some serious allegations against your wife. He tells quite a different story. He says she endangered the little lordship’s life by taking him out of the country without his permission. I cannot advise you. I need to stay objective. I must have the young man’s best interests at heart. I recommend you hire another solicitor to represent your wife. I will recommend the same to Lord Howard.”

  Alex stared into his eyes. “I’m sorry you feel this way. You are making a big mistake. The Duke of Barrington, Harry’s godfather, has agreed to become his legal guardian. I’m sure the court will agree that he is the best guardian for the young lad, especially after they find out what Lord Howard did to my wife. You are going to be very sorry when this is all over, and we have proved our case. Now good day to you. I shall collect my wife and leave you to get on with whatever you think you need to do.”

  Once he had Anissa back in the carriage, he pulled her in his arms. “Darlin’, we’ll talk with Barrington when we get to his house. I’m sure he will know of a much better solicitor than Sir Eldridge. When we get back to Chilton House, I want you to lie down. Now, rest your pretty head against my shoulder.”

  Anissa trembled as she clung to him, so unlike the strong woman he knew her to be. “Oh, Alex, I’m so frightened. If Sir Eldridge believes Lord Howard, and he has known me for years, then what hope do I have of convincing another solicitor to believe me?”

  “I don’t think Sir Eldridge believes Lord Howard. He thinks it would be a conflict of interest if he takes sides. I’m sure Barrington’s solicitor will believe you, darlin’.” The carriages slowed down and he released her. “We’re back at Chilton House. Once I have you upstairs, I will fill Barrington in on what Sir Eldridge said.”

  Alex escorted Anissa upstairs and left her resting. He found Barrington in his study and filled him in regarding the visit to Sir Eldridge. After listening, Barrington told him, “I do wish you had waited until I could have gone with you to see the solicitor. We shall visit my solicitor in the morning and get him to petition the court for custody. In the meantime, Anissa needs to move about in society. We must put to rest the rumors Lord Howard has started concerning her insanity. If the ton sees her acting normally, it will sway their opinion in her favor.”

  It worried Alex greatly. Anissa should not have to face the ton in her weakened condition. “I hope you’re right. Anissa is as sane as you or I. I hope this will not be too much of a strain on her. After all, she is still recovering from a very serious injury. She almost died.” He did not mention Anissa’s pregnancy. They had decided no one needed to know of her condition until after she got Harry back. It could give Lord Howard more ammunition to use against her.

  Going to the sideboard, Barrington poured two glasses of brandy and handed one to Alex. “Staying here and having my wife escort you to the ton parties will help you tremendously. Everyone likes Anissa, while the ton detests Lord Howard. I suggest we dress for dinner. We can talk again after we have eaten. Try not to worry.”

  “I’ll try not to, but we have to get Harry back and fast before Lord Howard kills him.”

  * * * *

  Lord Howard leaned back in his chair, pleased over his meeting with Sir Eldridge the day before. He had again convinced the old fool that he had acted in his great-nephew’s best interests. Between threats of a severe beating and keeping the boy mildly sedated, Harry had kept his mouth shut on their afternoon forays to the park. He had run into that old cow, the Duchess of Brentwood, and she had swallowed his story regarding Anissa’s insanity, salivating over sharing this tidbit of gossip with her cronies. The story would be all over London by this time tomorrow. This could not have worked out any better. Even with the woman dead, he could still use her supposed insanity to his advantage. On the slim chance the captain she married showed up and tried to stir up trouble, that is.

  Of course, that would not happen. Who would believe an uncouth American sea captain over a lord, even if his was only a courtesy title? It could be weeks before the captain came to London, if at all, and by then poor little Harry would be dead. He would take the child back to Overton Park after he had garnered enough sympathy and convinced the ton he loved his young great-nephew.

  The following morning, Howard pushed away from the table, replete from his enormous breakfast, feeling all was right with his world. As he stood up to leave the breakfast room, his butler delivered him a note from Sir Eldridge, asking him to come to his office to see him. He wondered what the old goat wanted now. Perhaps, it concerned his request for more funding for a project he wanted to start at his estate in Hampshire. Even though he had guardianship over Harry, the solicitor held all the cards when it came to spending any of Harry’s inheritance. Once the boy was dead, he would finally get what he deserved.

  After Howard dressed for the day, he made his way to the solicitor’s office. When he arrived, the clerk showed him into Sir Eldridge’s office and told him the solicitor would be along in a moment. Taking a sip of the tea the clerk had given him, he settled back into the comfortable wing back chair.

  Sir Eldridge came in five minutes later, looking flushed as he took his seat behind his desk. “Lord Howard, I had a disturbing visit yesterday regarding the young Marquess of Overton. I have decided it is in his little lordship’s best interests if he resides with me until this situation is resolved.”

  Lord Howard stood up as quickly as his bulk would allow and bellowed, “What are you speaking of? What situation? I’m the boy’s closest male relative, he belongs with me.”

  Sir Eldridge looked at him as he steepled his fingers. “The Duke of Barrington is his godfather, and from what his stepfather told me, he wants to become his legal guardian and is going to sue for i
t.”

  Slamming his fists down on the desk, he glared at the solicitor. “How could his stepfather be in London?”

  Sir Eldridge continued to look at him, now with some concern showing in his eyes. “Well, I assure you he is and I met with him and Lady Overton—”

  Flinging a paperweight against the wall, Lord Howard exploded, “Lord Overton’s mother was here as well? Are you sure?”

  How could she be in London?

  Bringing himself up to his full height, Sir Eldridge retorted, “Of course I am. The woman came here babbling about you trying to kill her. I see what you mean, the woman is obviously deranged. If her husband had not been here to control her, I do not know what would have happened yesterday. Now, I shall tell you the same thing I told them. You need to retain your own solicitor to handle this mess.

  “My one concern is for the health and well-being of young Lord Overton. I will not take sides and I demand you bring his lordship to me, where he will stay until the court decides who should be his legal guardian.”

  “The hell I will,” Lord Howard sneered. “He will stay with me, where he belongs, and there’s nothing you can do. You, sir, will be hearing from my solicitor tomorrow morning. It will be a cold day in hell before anyone takes that boy away from me!”

  He stormed out of the office, slamming the door so hard it came off its hinges. He jerked the door to his carriage open, threw himself in and slammed his fist against the roof, then told his driver to take him back to his house.

  Devil take it.

  How could the bitch be alive?

  Justice told him he had shot her in the chest at close range. This disturbing news could ruin all his plans. That lowlife must have lied to him. If she did get in touch with Barrington and he had agreed to become involved, he could very well succeed in getting custody of young Harry. A powerful duke could easily sway the court in his favor. There would be no more outings in the park. He needed to keep Harry hidden away at Overton House until he had this situation cleared up.