by Wendy Vella
“Her servants did not return either, so it's my belief she has run away. I am simply waiting to hear word to that effect. I will then see she is brought back to London.”
Dev clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
“Why would she run away?”
“This is none of your business, Sinclair.”
“Answer the question or I will beat the answer from you.”
“I-I have consented to a match between her and Lord Danderfield. My sister is taking some time to understand that I have her best interests at heart.”
“You would place your sister in the hands of such a man?”
Nicholas Braithwaite stumbled backward as Dev roared at him.
“What the hell has she done to deserve such a fate? Damn you, she is your sister, for God's sake!”
“Sh-she needs to marry.”
“Why?” Dev stood over the man, deliberately intimidating him.
“That is none of your business.”
Looking at the guilt in Nicholas Braithwaite's eyes, Dev began to understand his motives. “It's money you want, isn't it? You're selling your sister to save yourself.”
“No, it is time she wed.”
“You're lying. I know this because like your sister, you drop your eyes. I'll tell you something else, Braithwaite. Sisters are something to be treasured. They are the softer part of us. The part that knows when you need to be hugged. The part that can make you laugh and cry. Quite simply, without my sisters I would be nothing.”
“W-we are not like that.”
“Like what? Loving? You weak-kneed fool. She is your little sister; she should have to look no further for support than you.”
He wouldn't look at Dev.
“If any harm has come to her, Braithwaite, my advice to you is to leave town, because if I ever see you again, you will know fear.”
“She is t-testing me,” he rasped.
Disgusted, Dev left to find his brother before he beat the man senseless. Had she run away? Would she simply leave her house in Temple Street? Was that where she had run too?
Cam was where he had left him.
“Braithwaite said she did not return home from shopping today, and neither did her maid or footman. He believes she has run away to show him she will not marry Lord Danderfield.”
“Good God, he does not mean to wed her to that revolting man, surely?”
Dev gave a curt nod. “It's my belief he is doing so because he has used up all his money and is now in debt.”
“He wants Danderfield's money.”
“James said Lilly's grandmother left her money, and thought the majority may come to her when she reaches a certain age if she does not wed. Perhaps this money is what he is after, rather than the settlement from Danderfield.”
Cam whistled. “Whatever the situation is, we need to find her. I wonder if she is at Temple Street, Dev?”
“Pardon me, my lord.”
A smartly dressed servant stood at Dev's elbow. He looked uncomfortable and his face was flushed.
“Yes?”
“A Mr. Davey has appeared at the servants’ entrance asking to speak with you, Lord Sinclair. I would normally have turned him away, but he said it was a life or death matter, and you would not be pleased if I were to do so. He has a young boy with him, and both seem extremely agitated. He said they would not leave until I mentioned the name Miss Braithwaite to you.”
“Take me to him at once, please,” Dev said as the knot in his stomach grew larger. With Cam on his heels, he headed out of the ballroom and down a long hallway, then a set of narrow stairs and through a door at the bottom. Mr. Davey stood with Toby at his side in a small entranceway. Both their faces were lined with worry.
“Lord Sinclair!” Toby called to him as he approached.
“My lord.” Mr. Davey bowed.
“Thank you, I know them.” Dev handed out several notes he had pulled from his pocket to the two servants who appeared to be standing guard. “I would be grateful for a moment alone with them, if you please.”
The staff left to go about their duties, leaving the Sinclair brothers with Mr. Davey and Toby.
“Tell me what has happened, Mr. Davey?”
“I have grave concerns for my mistress.”
Dev nodded for him to continue.
“Bee, Miss Braithwaite's maid, and her footman, Wilson, were brought to Temple Street by Miss Braithwaite's driver, as Temple Street was nearby and he knew they needed help immediately.”
Dev tried to stay calm, when inside, his stomach was twisting into knots.
“He found them lying on the ground. Mr. Wilson had been knocked over the head, and Bee also hurt. Of Miss Braithwaite there was no sign. Bee managed to tell us that her mistress received a note while out shopping. It said children were in trouble in Jane Street. She went to investigate, and she, Bee, and Wilson were set upon by men.”
“Bee said the note came from me, but I can't write, and Lilly knew this, but went anyway,” Toby added, his face pale and drawn with worry.
Dev bit back the anger at Lilly's reckless behavior, nodding for the boy to continue.
“I went out and looked for her everywhere, and put the word out for any information, but I ain't heard nothing back yet,” Toby said. “I think it’s got something to do with the missing children. Lilly's been interfering, and those that are taking them must be aware of that.”
“But to take a woman of noble birth is a risk.” Cam entered the conversation.
“Not if the man who is taking the boys is of noble birth,” Dev said slowly.
“Care to enlighten me as to what the hell is going on?”
Dev turned to see James appear.
“Your sisters had an uneasy feeling all was not well with you, and sent me to find you at once. I asked a footman where Lord Sinclair and his reprobate brother had gone to, and he led me here.”
Dev's chest was burning.
“Your cousin is missing, James, and you need to go to the Watch House and alert them, then collect every servant from your house and my uncle’s. We need to start searching at once.”
“Lilly?” James frowned, his eyes going from Dev to Toby. “How do you know she is missing?”
“She has not arrived,” Cam said, “and Dev is uneasy.”
“Has her brother, Lord Braithwaite, been notified?” James questioned. He did not doubt Dev’s intuition.
Toby and Mr. Davey looked blank.
“I have just spoken with him and he has no idea where she is,” Dev said.
“But how can that be?” James looked confused. “She is his sister for Christ’s sake!”
“Come there is more, but we need to start looking, because the feeling inside me says she is in danger,” Dev urged everyone from the room, Toby and Mr. Davey included. “We will gather everyone and leave at once.” They soon found themselves in the front entrance. Wide-eyed, the man and boy stayed close as they took in the elegant surroundings and stares from the guests they passed.
Essie and Eden were called, and soon they were all awaiting carriages while Cam recounted the story once more for his sisters.
“We need to start looking,” Eden said to each of her siblings. “All of us, and using our senses.”
“Agreed,” Cam and Essie said. James and Dev remained silent, both working through and discarding plans.
“Braithwaite, if you don't want me to darken your eyes, I suggest you turn and walk smartly in the opposite direction,” Dev snarled as the man appeared before them. To his surprise, he kept advancing.
“What has you all out here so soon after you have arrived?”
“Go away, Nicholas, because what Dev leaves I will finish!” James said, glaring at his cousin.
“If you have information about my sister, I wish to hear it.”
“Why would you think we have information about her when you told me you thought she had run away?” Dev said. “Actually, what you said was you think she has run away because you have decided
to wed her to Lord Danderfield. And the reason for that is that you need the money to clear your gambling debts.” Dev felt no shame in telling everyone assembled what Lilly's brother was capable of.
“What!” James stepped toward his cousin.
“Do you have knowledge about my sister?” Nicholas Braithwaite stood his ground. “If I was wrong in my belief she has run away, I wish to know it, and help find her.”
“Pardon?” Dev was sure he'd heard the words wrong.
“I want to help find her.”
For seconds no one spoke. Nicholas Braithwaite had lost the cynical look he usually wore, Dev realized, and in fact appeared uncertain, his eyes darting back and forth from Dev to James, who both, he was sure, looked as malleable as stone.
“Perhaps you should have thought of that sooner, Braithwaite,” Cam said, placing a restraining arm on Dev's arm. “Don't create a scene out here, brother. There are far too many flapping ears and wagging tongues about.”
“Of course you do, my lord,” Eden said, taking a firm hold on her husband's arm in case he had the urge to finish what Dev had started. “And we would be grateful for any help.”
“No, we wouldn't,” James and Dev growled.
“Do you have news about Lilliana or not?” Braithwaite said again. “I have a right to know as her brother.”
“Rights,” Dev snarled. “Don't you dare speak to me of rights, when you were about to force her into marriage!”
“We believe she has met with foul play, as her servants were found by your sister’s driver, bruised and beaten,” James said quickly, cutting Dev off as he opened his mouth to continue abusing Lilly's brother. “Of Lilliana there was no sign.”
“Dear God. I-I had no idea, I truly believed—”
“Fear not, Lord Braithwaite, we shall find your sister,” Eden said.
“Your brother said some things to me that shamed me, Duchess. For the first time in many years I saw myself as I truly am.”
“I would have thought you incapable of that emotion, given that I have firsthand knowledge of your depravity, Braithwaite, not to mention your obvious disrespect of your sister and her welfare,” Dev said.
“I am a long way from forgiveness, Nicholas, but as I too have guilt where Lilly is concerned, and my treatment of her, I will allow you to help us,” James said. “You will go to the Watch House with Mr. Davey and then return him to Temple Street, and you may go home or to my house and await news.”
“But where do you all go?”
“I'm afraid that is as yet undetermined. However, when I have news of your sister, I will send word to my house. Tell Buttles I sent you.”
“But—”
“Braithwaite, so help me God, I will throw you into your carriage if you do not go willingly. Your cousin has thrown you an olive branch. Personally, I would rather beat you with it, but I will respect him in this,” Dev said. “But if you do not do as he states and alert the Watch, then never show your face before me again.”
“I will ensure it is done, Lord Sinclair,” Mr. Davey said, his face grim.
“I will do it.” Nicholas gave a short bow before he left with Mr. Davey on his heels.
“Is there any way I can get you to go home, wife, and take your sister with you?” James said, looking at Eden and Essie.
“No, we need to be together to find Lilly. Our senses are stronger that way.”
“I could have married anyone, but I chose you,” James muttered as he grabbed Eden and planted a loud kiss on her lips, uncaring of the outraged gasps behind him as two of society’s matrons tittered in horror at such a display in public.
“Outside now,” Dev said to his family, aware of the spectacle they were making.
They quickly left the house and assembled on the street outside.
“Toby.” Dev placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. “We need you to take us to anyone who may have information. I will pay handsomely, but do not know where to go.”
The boy nodded. “I can do that, but it's not a place for ladies—or gentlemen for that matter.”
“Just as well none of those are present then,” Cam said.
“Toby is right,” Dev said to his sisters. “I'm not sure you should come, as this will be unpleasant and dangerous. As your brother, I want to keep you safe—”
“Stow it, Dev, we are coming,” Eden said, grabbing her husband's hand.
“We tried.” The Duke sighed.
“Lead on, Toby,” Dev said, taking Essie's hand, and seconds later they were moving.
Hold on, Lilly, I'm coming.
Chapter Sixteen
Light from the gas lamps did not offer much illumination as they followed on Toby's heels through the London streets. Dev had to stay alert, as Toby would slip down an alley no wider than an arm span and expect them to be behind him. He hurried up and down small lanes Dev had not known even existed.
No one spoke, as Eden had her earplugs out and was listening to see if she could detect any voices or information that may lead them to Lilly.
They stayed connected, the Sinclair siblings holding hands so their strength was greater and their senses stronger. Dev felt sensations travel through them as they focused, all intent on finding Lilly.
He and James spoke to whomever Toby took them too, and handed over money for information, but as yet none of it led him to Lilly. They frequented small, dilapidated buildings, and talked with people huddled in alleyways. No one approached, and Dev thought that was due to the fierce expression he knew he wore.
Someone knew something, and he was willing to pay whatever was needed to get her back, but the desperation inside him told him he had to find her soon.
They passed people doing things no child should know about, yet Toby never flinched, his small body watchful and silent as they made their way to another informant, who he hoped would have the information he needed. Dev used his vision in the more sinister areas to determine anything moving or alive; most kept out their way, as they were moving fast and a large group.
Essie and Eden stayed between the men, but when two men tried to grab Essie, Dev's growl and Cam's fist sent them back to the shadows.
“Stay here, my lord, and I shall return shortly.”
They had reached the back of a small alehouse. Dev could hear the rumble of noise with the occasional high-pitched squeal.
“The big brother in me demands I shouldn't let you go in there unescorted, Toby, yet I know this situation is not new to you.”
Toby snorted and shook his head, but said nothing before disappearing through a door.
“A remarkable young boy,” James said, pulling Eden in front of him and wrapping his arms around her.
“Are you all right, Eden?” Dev asked, as this was harder on her than any of them. She would be able to hear everything that was happening around her.
“I am, although what is taking place in the rooms somewhere in that house is extremely disturbing.”
Cam snorted, knowing full well it was a brothel.
“Where the hell is she?” Dev said, giving voice to his fears.
“If anyone can find her, brother, it is us,” Cam said. “We will search for as long as we need.”
Dev looked at the faces of his family, all there to support him and find the woman he loved. Yes, it was love, he knew that now, because the pain inside him was unlike anything he had experienced before.
Toby came out of the building. “I have just spoken to Split, who has heard from Jessie, who overheard his master, Ely Chit, talking to Delve about something happening down at a warehouse on Dilth Street. It's old and unused and by the water.”
Dev's siblings often talked in circles, so he followed with what little patience he had left.
“We has to find her tonight,” Toby added. “’Cause Jessie said that Gegan is involved, and that means there's a lot of money at stake. ’Cause he'd sell his mother for a coin.”
“Do they know what he's involved in?”
“Jessie said Dominus was
at Dilth Street.”
“Dominus being?” James asked.
“He's new in town, but mean and done some bad things. But he's starting up an army of thieves, so we have heard.”
“And the missing children could have been kidnapped to work for him?” Dev made the leap.
“That's my guess, but there's got to be more, ’cause we all know how to filch, so this had to be more,” Toby said.
“Specialized, you mean?” Cam said. “As if he wants them trained for a reason?”
“Not sure what the first word means, but I think the other part’s right. Could be he plans to steal from nobs.”
“Nobs like us,” James said.
The boy nodded. “Strange that no one seen him yet though, and don't know much about him.”
“Why strange?” Dev asked.
“Rumors have a way of spreading on these streets. The man must be a mean one, if he's managed to keep everyone's lips tight.”
Dev thought about that for a few seconds. Could whoever was taking these children be the one who had Lilly? Was her disappearance a direct result of her interference? If he had her, what did he plan to do to her?
He could not contemplate that, so he focused on Toby again.
“We have to find her now,” Dev said, the tension inside him rising.
“Let's go then.”
Toby led them deeper into a dark side of London. Buildings rose above them along narrow lanes, blocking even the smallest glimpse of the moon.
“Now,” Eden whispered when they reached the end of a narrow lane. “Hold hands now.”
Dev and his siblings formed a circle and while they closed their eyes, he changed his vision and focused.
“I hear men, three, possibly four. They are discussing a woman,” Eden said. “Where they are to take her, and what is to be done. It's Lilly, I'm certain, and she is in very real danger. We must get to her now.”
“She's near, I can detect the faintest trace of her scent,” Cam added.
“Fear,” Essie whispered. “She's scared because it's dark, and she's alone.”
“The warehouse is just down there,” Toby said, his eyes wide as he tried to understand what he was hearing.
