Innocence Lost (24 page)

"I will return soon,” he said. Then he was gone.

Several hours crept by before he reappeared. Megan hadn't moved since his departure. She heard the door open and Stuart approached in four heavy strides. The bed dipped. She knew with some intrinsic certainty that he wouldn't harm her. She also knew he did not like the idea of holding her against her will.

During his absence, she tried rationalizing the facts. Nothing made sense. “Are you going to murder Julian?” she demanded, hating the tremor in her voice.

"It wouldn't be murder.” He pinned her with a hard stare. “It would be justice."

She felt the color draining from her face. It took her several seconds to find her voice. “Julian didn't seduce Emily,” she whispered.

"Yes, he did.” Vengeance burned bright in Stuart's eyes.

She took a calming breath. “Stuart, I know this may be difficult to believe, but Emily lied—"

"Emily wouldn't lie,” he insisted.

Sensing him near the point of releasing his anger, she decided to alter the direction of their conversation. “Julian manages Kenbrook Shipping. Why did you seek employment there if you hated him so?"

He groaned and shook his head. “Must you always satisfy your curiosity so completely?"

She held her breath, wondering if he was going to answer her. Just as she was about to repeat the question, he spoke.

"I began working at the dock about a week before Emily went to see Julian.” His voice turned quiet. Sad. “Loading cargo was the only job I could find at the time. Thanks to my step-father's drinking problem, we were destitute. A rueful smile touched his lips. “Then Henry Bensford died. I returned immediately and found that Emily had married.” Hatred filled his face. “God, I wanted to kill Arthur Wakefield. But I didn't have to."

"Why?” she asked.

"Charles beat me to it. He'd been on his way to his hunting cabin when he heard Emily's screams. Arthur was beating her to death and Charles...” Stuart closed his eyes. “He saved her from that bastard. I owe him for saving my sister's life."

"Why does Charles need money? He's an earl—"

"With a rapacious gambling affliction."

"But he—"

Stuart leaned over. “Charles has lost everything, and he's a desperate man."

A knock sounded at the door. Stuart rose and spoke briefly to the person on the other side.

He turned with a broad smile. “It is time,” he stated.

She swallowed hard.

Nicholas looked up sharply as a knock sounded at the study door.

"Enter,” Joseph ordered.

The door opened and Thomas Porter walked in. “Your Grace, we've found your daughter's horse."

Nicholas rose as fast as his weakened body would allow, ignoring the fiery pain in his shoulder. “What about Megan?” he demanded.

"The horse was found seven miles north of here,” Thomas said. “From the condition of the animal, he must have traveled quite a distance. I have already dispatched more riders to search out the area.” He paused and gave Joseph an envelope. “This was found tied to the saddle."

Nicholas watched him read the note. He barely refrained from snatching the document away. Finally, his father-in-law looked up, his blue eyes burning with anger and relief.

"It's a ransom note,” Joseph declared. “In one month, we are to sail to Dundee, Scotland, with the Kenbrook and Claremont jewels plus twenty crates of gold in exchange for Megan."

"One month?” Nicholas asked. How could he wait that long?

A knock sounded. Dawson opened the door. “Your Grace, there is a Mr. Jasper here to see Mr. Porter."

Thomas rose from his chair and left the study.

Twenty minutes later, Thomas returned. “The
Sweet Siren
has returned,” he said. “One of the men I have positioned at the dock has informed me that he spoke to a Mr. Black."

"Lucas Black is the second mate,” Julian said. “Why didn't your man speak directly to Stuart?"

"I'm sorry, my lord, but it seems Stuart Williams is dead. An armed ship overcame the
Sweet Siren
ten days after her departure. Mr. Williams was taken aboard. When the pirates attempted to relieve the vessel of her cargo and found that she had none, Stuart was shot on the pirate ship and thrown overboard. Mr. Black witnessed the execution."

Julian's eyes filled with anguish. “Dear God,” he said.

Nicholas shuffled over to the liquor cart and poured his friend a whiskey.

After gulping down the drink, Julian turned back to the investigator. “Why did it take so long for the ship to return?"

"The bandits set fire to her in their attempt to escape. It seemed they wanted to leave no witnesses behind. But the fire was extinguished and the
Sweet Siren
limped to the nearest port."

Another knock came at the study door. Nicholas swallowed back the oath hovering on his lips. “Your Grace, Lord Stenwick has arrived,” said Dawson.

Charles marched into the study, his features drawn. “Good Lord, Joseph, I came as soon as I heard. Is there any news?"

"Charles,” Joseph greeted as they shook hands. “We've just received a ransom note."

"Please let me know if there is anything I can do,” said Charles. “Nick, are you all right?"

Ignoring the urge to rub his throbbing shoulder, Nicholas gave a stiff nod. The doctor had wished him to stay abed much longer, but Megan needed him. He gritted his teeth. She must be frightened to death. There had to be something more he could do.

"I stopped at the tavern,” Charles continued, “and was completely bewildered when I learned that you'd been seriously injured."

"Lord Stenwick, may I ask you a few questions?” Thomas asked.

"Of course,” Charles replied in a strained voice, then inhaled his brandy.

"When was the last time you saw your nephew's wife?"

While Nicholas watched his uncle's face turn haggard, he recalled that Charles had known Megan from his visits to Claremont.

"I believe I saw her last at a dinner party,” Charles answered, setting the empty snifter on the desk.

"Was that before or after the wedding?"

"Before.” Charles went to twist the ring he normally wore, but it was gone. Nicholas wondered if he had lost it. He narrowed his eyes. His usual diamond stick pin was also missing.

Thomas scribbled in his notes for a moment, and then stopped to ask another question. “You didn't attend the ceremony?"

"No. I've been hawking with some friends and wasn't contacted in time to attend."

"How long have you been hawking?"

Charles's features relaxed a degree. “Six, seven weeks,” he replied.

"Thank you, my lord. That is all I needed to ask,” the investigator said.

"Certainly. If everyone will excuse me, I would like to see my sister,” Charles said. He scrambled from his chair and exited the room.

Nicholas ground his teeth. “He's lying."

All eyes turned to him.

"What makes you say so?” Thomas asked.

"I've known him all my life.” He gripped the arms of his chair. “I could always tell when he lied. He can't even gamble...” He halted and sucked in a breath. The conversation he'd had with Jeremy a few months ago came to remembrance. “I think he is involved in this."

Joseph stormed forward. “Are you certain?"

Nicholas shook his head. “But I think I can supply a motive."

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The tangy sea air filled Megan's nostrils and whipped hard against her face as she held onto the ship's railing. She much preferred being on deck instead of in the dank little cabin she'd been forced to endure. Holding her face up to the sun, she recalled the times Julian had taken her out on a smaller ship, but never on a clipper.

"Every time I am around you, Megan, you amaze me more,” Stuart said into her ear.

She jumped. She'd been so deep in thought, she forgot that Stuart stood beside her. Taking a deep breath, she squinted up to him. “How, exactly, have I amazed you this time?"

He chuckled and grazed her cheek with his fingertips. “Emily and Angie are in their cabin, green as peas. But you are positively glowing. Truly, I thought that the sea made all ladies ill."

"The sea has never made me ill,” she said, wishing he would remove his hand from her cheek. His lids went heavy and he leaned forward. With a gasp, she stepped back, her backside bumping against the rail. “Who did you say owned this ship?” she asked.

The corners of his mouth dipped down and he straightened. “Pirates,” he answered.

She believed that. The crew was rugged and Stuart stayed by her side at all times. They avoided other ships and didn't hoist a flag.

"How in God's name could you stand the sea for so long a time?” came a female voice.

Megan turned and found Angela standing behind her. The woman's dull red hair hung limply around her pale, greenish face, and she held her stomach as she shuffled forward. “Don't you dare smile at me like that, Stuart,” Angela said. “I can't eat or drink a damn thing. I'm going to kill you when we reach land."

"Oh, Angie, you should be feeling better by tomorrow."

"You said that yesterday!” she said. “I do not know how I shall stand making this trip again in a couple of months."

"You do not have to return, Angie,” Stuart said. “You can stay with us."

Angela moaned. “I could not live without Nicky."

Megan's delight at observing Angela so sick evaporated. “What?"

"Goddammit, Angie.” Stuart leveled his sister a menacing glare.

Ignoring her brother, Angela gave a smug smile.

Megan gnashed her teeth together. Oh, how she was tempted to slap that satisfied smirk from the woman's face. “You really must taste the slimy, green salted-pork and weevil-infested hardtack today. They aren't so bad after the first bite."

Angela's eyes grew wide, and her pallor deepened to the color of seaweed. Her hands flew to her mouth and she spun around to lean over the rail.

With immense satisfaction, Megan crossed her arms and watched the pitiful wretch try to heave the contents of an empty stomach. She noticed one of the crew looking her way. He had long, greasy hair and a beak of a nose. He licked his lips, his eyes hungry. She shivered and turned away. God, she needed off this ship. Perhaps she should return to her cabin.

Megan went below deck and approached Emily's cabin. Thankfully, Angela was still above deck. She was not up to hearing the mewling harridan. She hovered at the door for several seconds. This had to be handled in just the right way.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. Emily had lied to everyone about Julian, and she needed to learn why. It was possible, if not probable, that Stuart would release her if he knew the truth. When Megan received permission to enter, she opened the door and stepped in.

"May I speak to you?"

"As you wish."

Squaring her shoulders, she decided on the direct approach. “Why did you accuse my brother of getting you with child?"

Emily's good eye narrowed. “Lord Amersleigh is getting what he deserves."

"Are you aware that Julian was falsely accused of getting a woman with child three weeks before you came to him?"

Emily remained silent for several seconds. “Why did you tell me that?” she whispered.

"I wanted you to have a precise view into Julian's perspective, not only what you noticed on the surface. Truly, my brother isn't the cruel blackguard you believe. Emily,” she continued, softening her voice, “your husband believed the worst of you because he didn't know the truth—"

"Are you suggesting that I am like Arthur?"

"I cannot say, Emily. But from what I have been subjected to thus far, your codes of ethics and honor are somewhat lacking in my estimation."

Silently cursing her sharp tongue, Megan hoped that she hadn't pushed Emily too far. She wanted to be liberated, but not in the direction of a short plank.

Then Emily surprised her by chuckling. “Oh, Megan, I do believe I see why Stuart is acting a lovesick fool and Angela, a jealous nit-wit.” She paused and laughed harder. “I daresay, I was astonished when Angie arrived at the cottage. She was supposed to stay in London."

"Nine years is a long time to harbor a lie,” Megan said softly.

Emily shook her head. “I have not lied."

Megan took a steadying breath. “Then convince Stuart to let me go. Even when I am returned, my family will continue to pursue you for what you've done. But if you release me now, I shall make certain they never come for any of you."

"Stuart has promised that we shall remain safe,” Emily said.

Megan ground her teeth. “Stuart does not know the extent my family will go for retaliation. Do you not realize that my father will do nothing else until he has me returned? And then he shall deliver the most harrowing vengeance imaginable upon all of you."

Emily's eyes widened, then filled with tears. “Please,” she whispered, “you mustn't harm my family. They're all I have."

Megan kept from reaching out to her. Pressing her was the only way to learn the truth. The only way to gain leverage over Stuart to keep Julian safe. “Then you must tell the truth. Now. Before my family catches up to us."

After a shaky breath, Emily closed her eyes and hung her head. “I went to your brother right after learning Nicholas was not in residence.” She swiped the tears from her cheeks. “I-I needed help."

"What kind of help?"

Emily raised her head, fresh tears spilling down her face. “I was terrified of my father learning his groom had gotten his eldest daughter pregnant. I foolishly thought I could get help.” She paused to wipe her tears away. “Lord Julian misunderstood. He thought I was accusing him of fathering my child. Before I could explain properly, he had me escorted home."

Megan recalled what had been told earlier. “That's when your father made you marry Arthur Wakefield?"

"Yes."

"What happened to the groom?” Megan asked.

"Hanged himself. On my wedding night."

Megan gasped. “Oh, Emily.” She took the woman's hand. “That's terrible."

Emily nodded. “That night, I began hating your brother.” Her shoulders drooped. “I blamed him for everything. That is why I allowed Stuart to believe it was Julian who fathered my child and abandoned me."