A Taste of Seduction (18 page)

“Surely they would not take a maid's word over a duke's?”

He gave a bitter laugh. “Oh, I'm sure he will produce a string of servants and God knows who else to say they saw me with a man.” Augustus stood and began to pace before the fireplace. “He has wanted our families aligned for years. He was pestering me to marry one of my sisters to him, but I refused to sign any such agreement. I wanted her to have a choice in her husband. I didn't understand how ruthless he would be.”

“But why Hadley? Why not force you to marry Claire?”

“Tainted blood. The plan is for me to remain unmarried and the title to pass to Hadley, or Hadley's son.”

Her hands curled in her lap. Hadley would make a fabulous duke, but he'd not want his brother to suffer. “I'm sorry.”

He shrugged. “Don't be. I've never particularly wanted children. I like my life as it is.”

How could he? He had to hide who he really was. The risks he took…His life and his family were all in danger. “I would have thought taking a wife would protect you from innuendo and rumor.”

His eyes flickered to the office area next to his study, where young Mr. Vickers had gone. At that moment she realized he'd found his heart's desire.

She cleared his throat. “So we need to discredit the witnesses.” She bit her lip and looked at the rug beneath her feet, willing an idea to come forward.

“At least they don't know the name of the man I was with.
I
don't even know his name.”

Her head snapped up at Augustus's words. “That's it.” She gave a smile. “You weren't with a man—you were with me.”

“I don't understand.”

“I met you dressed as a man because we were having a torrid affair and I'd snuck away from my husband in disguise, not wishing to be recognized. The witnesses merely saw me still in my disguise. Then it is my word, and yours, against that of a few servants. My husband's dead; there is no way anyone would know I've been exclusively in the wilds of Scotland these past five years.”

Augustus looked shocked. “But that could ruin you. If you marry Hadley, they will think I'm handing him my seconds.” When she shrugged, he asked, “You'd do that for me?”

She shook her head, excitement making her breathy. “No. I'd do it for Hadley and myself. To have a life with Hadley. The fact that it helps you is a bonus.” She rose and leaned forward, her hands on the desk. “I won't let anyone steal my happiness from me again. Shall we pay a visit to the Marquis of Corby?”

Augustus smiled back. “Excellent idea, my dear. I believe he's in London presently. Care for some company as you head back to town?”

She stood up, joy almost making her dizzy, and said, “I'd be delighted.”

The meeting in Christian's drawing room was as cheerful as a wake. There was still no word from the Runners regarding Arend's location, or Victoria's. The ladies had visited Isobel to see if she knew her stepmother's whereabouts, but she didn't. Isobel had been distressed to learn that Victoria was probably the villainess. The women still did not believe that Isobel was in league with her stepmother, but the men had refused to allow her to attend this meeting.

“Lord Stuart was very thorough. The journals clearly detail Victoria's history, but only beginning with her time in Paris. He hadn't dug further into her past. She arrived in Paris almost nine years ago, not long after the incident at Serena's father's house.”

“She made a name for herself as an exceptional madam. Her house, the Fleur de Lily, was the most powerful in Paris, and the most sought-after. The establishment catered to every carnal taste.”

“Arend would know more,” Grayson put in. “He told me Angelo worked in that establishment before he opened the Top Hat.” Until Victoria had killed him in order to prevent him from revealing her identity and providing evidence against her, Angelo had run the Top Hat, the most exclusive molly house in London.

Hadley spoke up. “I can't understand why Lord Stuart gathered this information. What was he hoping to achieve?”

“He believed Victoria killed her husband.”

Silence descended over the group at Marisa's words.

“He was gathering evidence against her. He'd had men investigating Northumberland's death. Did you know he died in a fire at his mistress's cottage on his estate? They both perished in the fire. A burned body is a great way to conceal foul play.”

Hadley couldn't help but wonder about Lord Stuart's death as well. Accounts had it that he'd been shot by highwaymen. He wondered if that was also a bit too convenient. If Victoria had learned of Lord Stuart's investigation, she would not have hesitated to kill the man.

Next they discussed the information they found in Lord Stuart's journal. Victoria had used her ill-gotten gains to build herself a small army, men who owed her in one way or another. Men like Angelo, who had kept Victoria's secrets right up until she killed him. The men she currently had in her employ were loyal, well paid, and ruthless.

“I have no idea where to start to look for Arend. I know he's been spending time with Isobel, but I'm not sure we can trust her,” said Christian.

The woman all looked at one another. At last Portia spoke. “It's true I haven't known Isobel for long, but she came out at the same time as I did. I don't believe she was old enough to be involved in planning the Libertine Scholars' downfall. I'm sure she wasn't even in London when Christian was set up for the rape of that young woman and then shanghaied to Canada.”

Grayson threw up his hands. “I feel so bloody impotent. There is nothing we can do to find Arend until he either escapes, is able to send us a message, or the Runners find a clue to his whereabouts.”

His wife, Portia, patted his hand. “We can continue to go through the journals to see if we can find where Lord Stuart might have documented evidence of Victoria's crimes. Although I suspect he didn't have any solid proof, given that he never confronted her or reported her to the magistrates.”

“I think we're past the point of needing evidence. We simply have to stop her before she hurts anyone else. If we could get her to confess in front of someone reputable, we would not need further proof. Besides, if she has caught Arend, she must have some plan for him…if he's not dead already.”

Hadley nodded at Christian's words. “If we could catch Victoria in the act, then we would have our proof.”

Sebastian voiced their frustration. “Right now, we'll just have to wait for some lead as to Arend's whereabouts. Hopefully the Runners will pick up his trail. If I know Arend, he won't stay silent for long.”

Hadley sat contemplating the situation. He knew there was no point racing off around the country, for they had no idea which direction Victoria had gone, or whether she even had Arend with her. Instead, his thoughts turned to Augustus and the problem of the Marquis of Corby.

Having had one night with Evangeline, he knew one thing for certain: he had to find a way to save Augustus without marrying Lady Claire.

He wished Arend were here so he could talk with him about the situation. If anyone could get the Marquis of Corby to change his mind, it was Arend. He could scare a ghost into fleeing.

It took him a moment to realize Marisa was standing by his chair.

“Is there somewhere we could have a private word?” Marisa asked.

Hadley looked over toward her husband, but Maitland was busy talking with Grayson. “Is something wrong?”

“I'm not sure.”

He noticed Portia looking at her and shaking her head. How odd. “Of course. Let's use Christian's study.”

Marisa flashed a defiant look at Portia before walking from the room. Hadley looked at Portia and merely shrugged. Neither of them said anything until they reached Christian's study.

As Hadley closed the door he noted that Marisa was very nervous. She kept fidgeting with the ring on her finger as she paced in front of the fireplace.

“What is it? Your pacing is making me very nervous. Has something happened?” His heart sped up. “Have you heard something terrible about Evangeline?”

“No. Sorry to upset you like that. No, Evangeline is safe as far as I know.” She sat on the chair next to the fire but didn't face him. “Are you going to marry Lady Claire?”

He wasn't offended; he knew Marisa was probably just looking out for Evangeline. “I'm not sure that is any of your business. I don't mean to be cruel, but my private life is my private life, and there are a lot of things going on that you don't understand.”

“I understand that Evangeline is in love with you, and I think you are in love with her.”

Hadley rubbed the back of his neck. “It's not quite as simple as that. There are other considerations. I have other obligations.”

Marisa sat staring at him for quite a period of time, raising the tension in the room. Her fixed gaze made Hadley want to squirm.

At last she said, her voice soft, “You are going to hate me, but I can't stay silent. I can't let you make a mistake you will regret for the rest of your life, simply because you don't have all the facts.”

There was a commotion in the corridor, and Beatrice all but flew into the room.

“Don't, Marisa. Please don't interfere. It's not our place.”

Hadley looked between the two women. Marisa obviously wanted to tell him something, but Beatrice ran across the room to clap her hand across Marisa's mouth.

Hadley couldn't hide his shock at her behavior. “For goodness' sake, Beatrice. What on earth is going on?”

Beatrice ignored him. “We promised Evangeline that we would give her time. The time she requested is not yet up.” At Beatrice's words, Marisa slowly nodded, and Beatrice removed her hand from Marisa's mouth.

Marisa gave him an apologetic yet sad look, and the ladies rose to leave the study. But Hadley blocked their departure.

“What was that about? You can't drag me in here and then be so cryptic. I demand an answer, ladies.”

Marisa halted at the door.

“I think you should meet Evangeline's son. It's important.”

Beatrice tugged Marisa from the room, saying, “Come on.”

As she left, Marisa's face was filled with such sorrow that it tore at Hadley's heart. Since learning that she would be unable to have children of her own, Marisa had redoubled her devotion to children's causes. She was the patron of an orphanage, making sure the children were treated well and educated to a high standard. So it didn't surprise him that she was concerned for Evangeline's son.

However, he wasn't sure what the boy had to do with him. Perhaps she was worried that Hadley would be unable to accept the boy, but that wasn't true. Yes, he was nervous about meeting the lad, and he did hope the boy looked more like Evangeline than Viscount Stuart, but he was sure he would love any child of hers.

He was just about to step out of the study when Sebastian appeared. “I know it must be a terrible shock, but I can understand her not telling you.”

“Not telling me what? Who? What the bloody hell is everyone talking about?”

“Oh,” Sebastian said slowly. “I thought Marisa told you about Sealey.”

“Has something happened to him? I promised Evangeline we would protect her son,” and he made to push past his friend.

Sebastian halted him with his arm. “He's fine. I swear.”

“Then what are the women going on about?”

“Are you going to marry Lady Claire?” Sebastian asked.

Hadley wanted to shout and stamp his feet like a child. “Why is everyone so concerned with my marital status?”

“I see. So that is a yes.” He gave Hadley a sympathetic look.

“It's not what I want, but I have someone else to think of, someone to protect.”

Sebastian nodded. “Of course you do. To the rescue, as usual. I think it's time you thought about what
you
want for a change. Your brother is old enough to look after himself. Before you make your decision, I feel it might be prudent to meet the young Lord Stuart. The little viscount might just change your mind.”

“Funny, Marisa said the same thing. Why don't you tell me what is so unusual about the boy?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I can't. I made a promise to Beatrice, and I'm not stupid enough to upset my wife. Why don't you come home with me? I'd love to see the look on your face when you meet Sealey.”

Augustus was the perfect traveling companion—his stories of Hadley as a young boy kept Evangeline in fits of laughter. But eventually the tales became more sober, and Augustus explained what living with their father had been like.

A shudder ran through her after he'd told her some of what they'd had to endure. “Both of you should be proud of how you survived your father.”

“Hadley made sure I never gave up.” Augustus paused thoughtfully. “One time, my father took us out into the paddock to teach us how to box. I'm sure he did it on purpose. Father knew I hated violence of any kind. He made Hadley square up against me. I was no match for him, and Hadley knew it. After a few fun punches, Father told him to box with me as if it were a proper match, or he'd be birched. Hadley didn't even look at me; he simply took off his boxing gloves, turned back toward the house, entered Father's study, and assumed the position.”

“He loves you.”

Augustus looked out the window. “I don't think it's only love. The need to protect is strong in him.”

She tried to still her jangling nerves. “I can't wait to tell him we've freed him. I'm pleased to have protected him for a change.”

Hadley accompanied Beatrice and Sebastian home. Beatrice excused herself as soon as they walked in the door. She had a young babe, having just given birth a month ago, and all the strain of the search for Victoria was beginning to wear her down.

Having ascertained that Henry and Sealey were out with Sealey's nanny and the Runners, the men settled down to play some billiards.

They had just finished playing one game when they heard visitors arrive. After several minutes, Sebastian's butler, Roberts, knocked and said, “Lady Evangeline and the Duke of Claymore are asking if you are at home.”

“Of course, Roberts. Show them in, and please bring some tea for Lady Evangeline.”

“Very good, my lord.”

Hadley knew from Beatrice's note that Evangeline had gone to Hardstone, but he was surprised that she and his brother had arrived in town together. What on earth was she planning?

“Hadley, I didn't know you'd be here,” she said, a look of shock on her face, when she came into the room. “What a surprise,” she added haltingly.

Sebastian looked very amused. “This should be interesting.”

“I'm so pleased you find my relationships amusing,” Hadley hissed under his breath. To Evangeline he said, “You look worried. Has something happened?”

She glanced at Sebastian before looking back at Hadley and shaking her head. Before she could reply, Augustus stepped forward with a very broad smile. Hadley wasn't sure what he had to smile about.

“Lady Evangeline is quite a woman, and I can see no reason why you wouldn't be rushing her to the altar.”

Now Hadley was really confused. Had his brother had a change of heart?

Evangeline's smile was back. “We have much to tell you. Augustus told me about your little problem, and between us we have come up with a solution. Let's just say you no longer have to marry Lady Claire.”

“Thank Christ for that,” said Sebastian. Then he fixed his eyes on Evangeline, a slightly wicked expression on his face. “Lady Evangeline, I assume you are here to collect your son. Shall I call him for you?”

Evangeline became flustered, a delightful shade of pink invading her cheeks.

Sebastian appeared quite amused as he said to Augustus, “Come, Your Grace, let us leave these two alone for a moment. I'm sure they've got a about.” With that, Sebastian led Augustus from the room, leaving Hadley and Evangeline staring at each other.

“Would you care to explain that cryptic message?”

“I'd prefer a kiss first.” She walked slowly toward him, not stopping until her breasts brushed his chest. She rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. It was a demanding kiss, a kiss that stirred the desire that had been swimming in his blood from the moment she walked into the room. His heart was still guarded, but the fortress began to crumble with Augustus's implication that Hadley was now free to follow his heart's desire.

He wanted answers. However, unable to deny his need, he opened for her, shuddering beneath the raw force of his passion, the kiss shatteringly familiar and one that he longed to experience for the rest of his life. Was that now possible?

Urgent need gripped him, and he slanted his mouth to deepen the kiss further, his tongue sliding in heated, graceful rhythm across her lips and tongue. How had he lived without her for so long?

He desperately wanted to know if what she had said earlier about having found a solution was true. He regretfully broke the kiss, but still holding her tightly in his arms, he whispered, “Is it true? Please don't fill me with false hope.”

“I believe I have found a way to stop Lord Corby.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, burrowing deeper against his chest. “You are free.”

“Tell me how.”

“It's simple, really. I will tell Lord Corby that the ‘man' he witnessed performing certain acts with your brother was actually me. I was having a torrid affair with your brother and did not wish my husband to know, so as a disguise, I dressed as a man.” She drew back to look at his face. At his look of horror she added, “It will be the servants' word against that of a duke and a lady. No one will dare dispute our version.”

“Brilliant—apart from the fact that your reputation will be ruined.”

“Rather ruined than having to watch you marry a woman you don't love. Besides, I've never had a season. Society really doesn't know much about me. The scandal will be quickly forgotten.”

“Not if you then marry me.”

A flash of annoyance crossed her beautiful face. “Are you saying you're worried about scandal? I thought you'd be happy.”

He was being a fool. Why should it matter if society believed he had married Evangeline after his brother no longer wanted her? That he was her second choice? It was just that she deserved better.

“You have already suffered so much. I don't want to see you the target of salacious gossip.”

“Words can never hurt me. I've known true hurt and I survived. I shall certainly survive a little bit of gossip.”

Having uttered that statement, Evangeline laughed inwardly. Hadley had no idea the gossip that was about to start. Once society clapped their eyes on Sealey, she and Hadley would most certainly be the center of gossip.

She needed to tell him, and tell him now. At any moment their son could walk in through those doors. It was time to inform Hadley that he had a son.

She would just have to trust in his heart and hope that he loved her enough to forgive the fact she'd hid this from him. She knew learning about Sealey would bring him both great joy and also pain. He had missed the first five years of his son's life, years that he could never get them back.

In addition, his son would never carry his name. Her mother and Viscount Stuart had stolen that from him. A part of her worried what Hadley would do to her mother for this injustice. She suspected his vengeance would be harsh, but she really couldn't bring herself to care. Her mother had made her bed, and now she must lie in it.

She stepped out of Hadley's arms saying, “Please sit for a moment. There is something I must tell you,” and she indicated that he take a seat on the settee.

Hadley obliged. “I do not know what this can be about, however. I cannot think of anything more serious at the moment than Augustus's problem.”

She opened her mouth, praying for the right words. But at that very moment the door burst open and Sebastian said, “You should come downstairs. And prepare yourself—the news is very bad.”

Hadley was already at the door before Sebastian had turned away, and she followed quickly behind.

The scene greeting them at the bottom of the stairs was chaos. It took but a moment for Evangeline to recognize Wendy. A cry left her lips as she took in the state of Sealey's nanny. She was being carried by someone who Evangeline supposed was one of the Bow Street Runners sent to guard Wendy and her son, and it was obvious that Sealey's nanny was unconscious. A nasty head wound was evident, as was the blood covering her clothing.

Two other men were also being carried into the house, also covered in blood. One had been shot.

It took her only a moment more to realize that Sealey was not with them. Panic seized her throat and she found it difficult to breathe. “Where is Sealey?” No one heard her.
“Where is Sealey?”
she screamed.

Beatrice arrived at her side and grabbed for her hand. “Isobel is missing too,” Beatrice said to Sebastian.

“Oh, God.” Evangeline sank onto the bottom step of the stairs, her arms wrapped around herself, rocking slowly. “She has my son.”

Hadley grabbed one of the Bow Street Runners. “What happened? Where are the boy and Lady Isobel?”

The Runner looked briefly at Evangeline before pulling Hadley to one side. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but from the look on Hadley's face she knew it was bad.

Hadley moved slowly toward her, his eyes never leaving her face. He crouched down before her and took both of her hands in his.

“It looks as though Isobel led the men into a trap. I believe Victoria has your son, but I swear to you now, on my life, I will get him back.”

She could not speak through her grief. All she could do was nod and let Beatrice comfort her.

Hadley immediately turned to find out more information from the Runners, while she could hear Sebastian telling Roberts to send word for the other men to meet them here immediately.

This was her fault. She'd left her son to have a tryst with Hadley when she knew the danger they faced. How selfish could she have been? If anything happened to Sealey, she would never forgive herself. Never.

She looked across at Hadley, and her heart stilled. She gave a wail, burying her face in Beatrice's warm embrace. If something happened to Sealey, Hadley would never get the chance to know his son.

Hadley would never forgive her either.

Hadley's body trembled. He had to save the boy. Evangeline had trusted him and his friends with the most precious thing in the world to her—her son. He'd promised her the boy would be safe. He meant to make good on that promise.

If the boy was injured or, God forbid, died, how could she forgive him a second time?

Evangeline had lost so much already, and if she lost her son…He couldn't begin to think of the devastation. Anger built, and he wanted to smash something, preferably Victoria's face—and perhaps Isobel's too. Did they now know the color of Isobel? Had she lured Sealey to his fate? Was she was a party to Victoria's villainy?

Arend was proving right at every turn.

Sealey was in danger because of him. If Isobel hadn't learned of Evangeline's husband's journals, perhaps Victoria would have left her and Sealey alone. Deep down, however, he did not believe that. Evangeline and Sealey had become a target the minute he showed interest in the pair.

Thank goodness the Libertine Scholars all lived close by. Within quarter of an hour Grayson, Christian, Maitland, and Lord Philip, Portia's brother, had arrived with wives in tow. The women took one look at the weeping Evangeline and gathered round her like protective mother hens.

Sebastian took aside one of the Runners who was not as badly injured and suggested they move into the study to plan their next move. Hadley watched Evangeline as the women drew her up the stairs toward the drawing room. He briefly met her eyes and tried to convey a message:
Be strong.
She gave a nod in reply, but her eyes were glazed with fear.

Once in the study, with only the men in attendance, George, a Bow Street Runner, brought them up to date with details of the attack.

“We tried our best to hold them off, but there were at least twenty men. As the bullets were flying, I saw Lady Isobel willingly go with the men, dragging the boy with her.”

Grayson slammed his fist on the desk. “You talk as though Lady Isobel was involved. She may have thought she had no other option.”

Hadley knew what the other men were thinking: that Arend was right, and she
was
in league with Victoria.

“Can't rightly say. I was too busy fighting them off. She didn't seem to be putting up too much of a struggle, but she did seem to be protecting the boy. It all happened so fast.”

“Do you have any idea where they were heading?”

To Hadley's amazement and joy George answered in the affirmative.

“I heard one of the men call out to another ‘Head for Angleton.' Unfortunately, I had to take care of the injured. There was only me left, and I couldn't go after them on my own. I wanted to get back to let you know what I had learned. I hope I made the right decision, as I have no idea where Angleton is. I was hoping one of you would.”

“I've never heard of such a village,” Grayson said.

The men stared at each other silently. Hadley ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. A voice from the corner of the room spoke up.

“It's not a village. It's a house. I know where it is.”

Hadley hadn't noticed that Clarence had entered the room.

Clarence, now eighteen, had been one of Angelo's boys when Angelo was operating the Top Hat. Maitland's wife, Marisa, had rescued Clarence and his younger brother, Simon, from the sordid life at the Top Hat, and now Clarence oversaw the many orphanages Marisa was associated with. He kept the orphanages honest, ensuring that young boys and girls did not end up in one of the many, many clubs peddling flesh, but rather were educated with useful skills so they could go into service in respectable houses where they could be safe and earn a living.

Hadley nodded to the lad, indicating that he should continue.

Clarence cleared his throat. “Angleton was one of the houses Angelo used to train new boys. If I remember correctly, it's a large house near Kensington-upon-Thames, less than an hour's ride from here.”