Miss Quinn's Quandary (19 page)

The parlor doors flew open. Larissa and Randall leaped apart.

The Earl of Rushton coursed into the room. “Good to have you
home, lad!” Tears formed in the earl’s eyes and he pulled his nephew into his
arms for a quick embrace. “And I believe felicitations are also in order! How
you managed to
legshackle
yourself so quickly is
beyond me. I am certain it was due to my influence. I have no doubt you must
have married her because you truly love her.” He nudged Randall and winked.

Randall opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out.

“I thought I heard strange voices.” William appeared at the door.

“Congratulations on your success.” Rushton reached for his hand
and shook it. That was a first. Uncle Cyrus had never been fond of William. Up
until now, he was considered a young man with disposable income and idle time
on his hands who would someday lead Randall into trouble. “Tonight I heard of
the highwayman’s antics. It was the Duke of Bedford he held up last night and
who knows who it will be tonight.”

“Tonight?” Larissa repeated. “Why should he strike tonight?”

“Why should he stop?” Rushton asked. “What if this insane
vendetta of Dorothea’s continues and she persists in seeing you to the gallows?”

“You know, Uncle, I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Well, you’d better think of it. It’s not just your life we’re
talking about. You’ve a wife now and you must think of her as well.”

“Ah, yes, my wife,” Randall stammered. His gaze skittered to
Larissa.

“If the authorities found the stolen items in your possession,
there would not be any question of your guilt,” Rushton pointed out.

“Need we prove Lady Dorothea’s involvement? After all, aside from
the stolen items, no one was hurt,” Larissa said.

“No one was hurt?” Randall remarked. “What do you call this?” He
rubbed his arm.

“I refer to anyone save you. After all, you are the one around
whom the revenge is centered.”

“Am Ito blame for Lady Dorothea’s derangement?”

“Come now, you must have done something to deserve her wrath,”
William replied.

Randall paused, giving the matter some thought. “I can’t say I
harmed her in any way, certainly not intentionally. However, we did have what
you might call a misunderstanding.” The stares surrounding him begged him to
continue. “She wanted me to offer for her.”

“Ha! That’s rich, you’re already wed.” Rushton guffawed. “That
may just be where the difficulty lies.”

“No man would be in his right mind to marry her,” William replied
without hesitation. “You’ve been away the past several years, my friend. You do
not know of her reputation.”

No man’s safe with her. She’ll wind a man around her little
finger and grab hold of him by his vitals.

“If your uncle is correct in assuming Dorothea will persist, what
can we do?” It was good to see William was not about to abandon him.

“I want you to go on impersonating me.”

“If I am you,” William began. “Then you are …”

“Free to investigate,” Randall stated. “Why don’t we see if we
can help her
along.
We should make the situation as
tempting as possible.”

“What are you about, lad?” Rushton asked.

“A judicious word spoken to Lady Dorothea regarding my uncle’s
dismay of my circumstance. And to further suggest an unwillingness to come to
my aid if such an accusation should be leveled a second time might prompt her
to take action, thinking she might succeed.”

William now saw the answer to his friend’s predicament. “If we
could catch her accomplice we could see to their arrest and the end of your troubles.”

“Arrest might not be necessary,” Rushton pointed out.

“What?” William balked. “Hang the lot of them, I say.”

“If the two parties were caught, shall I say, in the act,”
Rushton enlightened the others, “threatened by their impending arrest, they might
be convinced to leave the country.”

They all nodded, understanding the earl’s reasoning.

The countess swept into the room. “Sir Randall, there you are—free
at last!” She offered him her gloved hand. “And married to my dear, darling
niece.” She turned to Larissa. “Why did you not tell me?”

Rushton gave a cough. “He’s been occupied elsewhere, my dear,” he
said, saving Randall from an awkward, lengthy, and completely fictitious
explanation. “All will be explained in due time.”

Ivy startled when she saw Larissa. “It is nearly two in the
morning. Why have you not gone to bed? You can tell me all about how he swept
you off your feet later.”

“Sir Randall has just—” Larissa began.

“My only niece married!” Ivy held up a hand. “But I imagine what
you have to say to him can wait until the morning. It is so very late. I know
you are newly wed just as I am but we ladies must get our rest. Let us be off
to bed. Say good night to the gentlemen, dear.”

Remaining mute, Larissa waved adieu with one hand while her aunt
led her from the parlor and up the stairs. She wanted to be part of the
planning session she knew would take place once she retired. Like it or not,
necessity dictated Larissa would have to wait until morning.

An eager Sir Randall and Lord William met Larissa in the
breakfast room. William ushered her to her seat and held her chair while Sir
Randall poured her a cup of chocolate and slid it in front of her.

Larissa chuckled at the flurry of activity sweeping about her. It
was a shame they were titled gentlemen for they would have made excellent
footmen.

Sir Randall returned with a plateful of eggs, sausage, and ham on
her right side. Lord William, on her left, arrived with a heaping plate of
potatoes, muffins, and toast.

Larissa took a square of toast in one hand, lifted a forkful of
eggs in the other and looked between them. “Would you, Sir Randall, have the
toast while Lord William consumes the eggs for me?”

The men regarded one another and burst into laughter.

“I do beg your pardon,” William apologized. “We are making pests
of ourselves.”

“I would never be so bold as to point that out.”

“We must insist you be on your way as soon as possible,” Sir
Randall explained.

“Have you a plan? Where am I to go? What am I to do?” The smell
of food sitting before her grew unappetizing. Her stomach knotted, anticipation
gripped her insides.

“You need to pay Lady Dorothea a call this morning before leaving
for Rushton Manor.”

“You’re sending me away? Why?”

“We need to let Dorothea know that, one, I am out of the way so
her accomplice can impersonate me without fear of discovery. Two, she will know
where to find us, so when she pays us a visit at Rushton Manor she can plant my
uncle’s stolen items. Three, she will be certain that when it is discovered, he
will never lift a finger to save me.”

“Do you think she will believe me?”

“It remains to be seen. But we do need you to set the wheels into
motion.”

Within the hour, Larissa was on her way to Lady Dorothea’s.

“I am always so very happy to see you,” Dorothea welcomed. “But
whatever are you doing here?”

Larissa hoped to turn the nervousness she felt to her advantage.
How was Dorothea to know her quavering voice stemmed from deception and not
anger.

“The Earl of Rushton is sending Sir Randall and me to his country
estate in Kent,” Larissa began.

“But why must he send you away?”

“Rushton is very displeased with Sir Randall. The robbery
accusation has the earl enraged.” Larissa began to cry and retrieved a
handkerchief from her reticule. “I am sorry that I’m such a watering pot.”

“It’s quite understandable.” Dorothea comforted and edged
forward, anxious for Larissa’s next words. “Can I get you something?”

“No, I will be quite all right in a moment.” Larissa dabbed her
eyes and continued, “Sir Randall is titled but not well-off, you know. We still
need to depend on Rushton’s generosity. The earl thinks it best if he is out of
the public eye.” In a weak, unconvincing tone she added. “Of course, he doesn’t
believe Sir Randall is capable of the charge.”

“Of course he doesn’t,” Dorothea echoed.

Larissa pressed her handkerchief to her nose. “I would hate to
think of Sir Randall arrested a second time. I have the most horrible feeling
Rushton would not come to his aid.”

“I cannot imagine one would treat his own relative so cruelly.”
Dorothea gave a fine imitation of shock and outrage.

“The worst possible scenario would be if by some queer
coincidence, it was the earl who had been robbed and Sir Randall blamed. I
dread to think what might become of my dear Randall. The earl would never, ever
forgive him.”

“Yes, that would be quite a tangle, wouldn’t it?” Dorothea
replied, sounding distant.

“I would not confess this to anyone but you. However, I believe
the real reason Rushton is sending us away is so that Sir Randall will not have
a chance to get into any more trouble.”

Dorothea snapped back to life. “It is probably a very wise
decision.”

“Do you really think so?” Larissa relaxed into the back of the
sofa. “Well, we are to leave this afternoon. My aunt and the earl will be
returning to the country the following week. I believe they are attending a
dinner party at Lord Lambourne’s tonight and a ball next Monday at Lord and
Lady
Raintree’s
.”

“
Maman
and I are planning to leave by
the end of this week ourselves. I have a thought,” Dorothea replied, feigning
inspiration. “We’ll be passing through Kent on our way home. Would you mind if
we paid a call?”

“Not at all.” Larissa displayed a grand smile. “I would love it
above all things. It should be so very wonderful to see a friendly face amid
all this unpleasantness.”

“Then I promise,
Maman
and I shall plan
on stopping by.”

“I do thank you for your kindness, your friendship, and your
staunch support of Sir Randall.”

Dorothea walked Larissa to the front door. Larissa paused before
leaving.

“Whatever should I do without you?”

“Whatever indeed,” Dorothea sighed, with a placating smile.

“Goodbye.” Larissa waved before stepping into the coach.

She settled onto the velvet seats and had the most peculiar
feeling all their assumptions had been correct. Which would mean Lady Dorothea
would make her move tonight.

“My beloved,” the earl
pleaded. “I cannot allow you to place yourself in such danger.”

“
Not
danger, Rushton, an adventure!”
Ivy exclaimed. “Are you not placing yourself at the very same risk?”

“But my dear, I shall not be harmed. If I were, I could not
discover my nephew’s guilt and shun him publicly. Never fear, no harm shall
come to me. However, I am truly concerned for your safety.” He wrapped an arm
around her. “I beg you, you must leave with your niece.”

How could the countess have refused? It turned out in the end,
she could not.

“There’s the lady I love.” Rushton embraced her, showing his
gratitude for her ever sensible ways.

Ivy allowed him to kiss her cheek and pushed him away, still not
happy with the arrangements. “But do not think you will always succeed in
getting what you want.” She shook her finger at him.

The earl turned to Randall now that domestic matters were
settled. “We must plan our strategy down to the minute. If we make a mistake,
all will be for naught. We must take no chances and we must expect the
unexpected. Come, my boy, come,” the earl urged.

“But, Uncle.” he objected, “I shall only be another minute or two.”

“Don’t you see, we have no time to
waste.
”
Rushton clapped his nephew on the shoulder and urged him on.

Randall glanced back at Larissa and made a gesture of
helplessness. Apparently, it had not gone unnoticed.

“There will be time enough for the ladies later.”

How Randall had wished he could have just blurted out the truth.
On the other hand, he did not want to express his affection for Larissa in a
clumsy or careless way. He would need to wait. Wait until this confounded mess
was over and done with.

At that moment, he felt he was a sorry excuse for a man.

What a dear, sweet man he was Larissa thought.

Moving to the window, Larissa watched the coach pull away from
the drive, and caught a glimpse of Sir Randall’s retreating profile.

What a tangle they had managed to get themselves into. Surely if
Sir Randall did not clear his name, there could be no future for him or them.
It was best he left now.

“As long as we’re vacating, I wish to leave instructions to have
the parlor repainted.” Ivy gestured to the room where they stood. “I believe
Rushton has always wanted to have it done. He is forever referring to the
parlor as blue,” she gave a hearty chuckle, “and I don’t know how you could
have not noticed that it is yellow.”

“Why, yes of course,” Larissa agreed.

“Such an oversight. One I shall remedy before we leave for the
country.” She sighed. “
How ever
could he do without
me?”

Randall consulted his pocket watch. Two and a half hours had
passed since he had assumed his position outside the
Brookhurst
residence. Uncle Cyrus should have left his house over an hour ago. Assuming
the robbery would take place between Rushton’s House and Lambourne’s, the deed
should have already occurred.

The thought that his uncle might have been harmed occurred to
him, but he quickly dismissed it. If Rushton could not prosecute Randall, Dorothea’s
plan would surely fail.

Randall rocked his head from side to side, working the tightness
in his neck free. He mumbled a silent prayer for his uncle’s safety while
keeping an observant eye for Dorothea. Tonight he would see this thing complete
and rid himself of that woman, if indeed she were involved. Randall swung
around toward the approaching footsteps.

“Relax lad, it’s only me.”

Randall exhaled. “Uncle, I am greatly relieved to see you in good
health.”

“Never been better.” Rushton thumped on his chest. “Might say the
entire experience was invigorating. Caused my pulse to quicken and the old
heart to pound, as they say.”

“Well? Tell me what happened.” Randall wanted to know. “Did Billy
strike?”

“Exactly as we expected. I took the crested coach so there was no
mistake of my identity,” Rushton began. “The knave fired his pistol to bring
the coach to a halt. I stepped outside and the ruffian shoved me out of the way
and peered into the transport. But of course, as we know, it was empty. He was
fierce looking, all right. Dressed all in black, wearing a
tricorn
and a brace of pistols and carrying a third in his hand.

“ ‘I fear I must deny you the riches of the countess,’ I
announced. ‘For you’ll not find her with me this night.’ ” Rushton paused and
reflected. “It was most odd. He never spoke but gestured with the barrel of his
pistol. I offered no resistance and handed over my signet ring, stickpin, fob,
and pocket watch.”

Rushton lowered his voice to a serious tone. “The signet ring
will prove most incriminating. I gave a superb performance, if I do say so
myself. I was quite good. I went further to threaten him with, ‘If I ever
discover who you are, I’ll see you swing for this. I’ll make certain I have the
personal honor of dropping the trapdoor beneath your feet!’ ”

“Did you recognize him?”

“No, but had I not known otherwise, I could very well be
convinced it was you.”

That wasn’t good news, especially coming from his own uncle.

A coach rounded the corner and stopped in front of the
Brookhurst
residence. The front door opened and a cloaked
figure emerged.

“Uncle Cyrus, our prey is about to flee.” Randall moved toward
the tethered horses.

“Enough of my tale. Let us see an end to this hoax.”

Dorothea boarded the waiting coach. Randall and his uncle
followed at a discreet distance. The coach pulled up at the theater. They
watched Dorothea enter and followed her inside. Randall easily caught sight of
her moving toward the upper level. Grasping his uncle’s arm, he headed toward
the stairs.

One by one, Randall and the earl peered behind the heavy drapes
into the boxes to discern the identity of its occupants.

“Did all go well?” she asked.

Randall recognized the voice of Dorothea
Brookhurst
.
He stationed himself just outside the box and motioned for his uncle to near.

“Couldn’t have gone any better,” the accomplice said.

Rushton stationed himself on the opposite side of the door.

“You should have heard the old man. He’ll have an apoplexy when
he discovers it was Trent.”

Randall peered in during the silent interval and witnessed a
small pouch pass between the seated figures.

“Take these and do your worst.”

“After my visit to Rushton Manor there will be no doubt of the
highwayman’s identity. Randall Trent shall not walk away this time. And I can
assure you Larissa will fall into your arms for comfort, if that is what you
still want.”

“Yes, I still want her,” the man sounded adamant. “I’ve gone this
far for her, haven’t I?”

Randall and his uncle exchanged questioning gazes. The accomplice
not only knew Larissa, but knew her well enough to be in love with her.

At intermission the lights came up. The drapes pulled open,
revealing Randall and the Earl of Rushton blocking the exit. Dorothea and Lord
Fenton Harding faced them.

“I will be taking what belongs to me if you don’t mind Lady
Dorothea.” Rushton held out his hand.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you are talking about.” Dorothea
sniffed at the indignity.

“Come now, Trent, let us by,” Fenton demanded.

“No. I don’t think I shall.” Randall snatched up Dorothea’s
reticule and handed it to his uncle for inspection. Reaching for her dress, he
rifled through the material.

“What do you think you are doing?” Dorothea protested with a
muffled shriek.

“Trying to discern whether you dabble in black magic or if you
simply have a black heart.” He stilled, finding exactly what he expected. “What
have we here?” Within the folds of her dress he removed a pouch from a hidden
pocket. Opening the bag he reached in and plucked out a gold signet ring. “I
believe this is yours, Uncle.”

Rushton stared at the item. “So it is,” he commented. “How is it
you come to have possession of this, Lady Dorothea? It was stolen by
Bussin
’ Billy this very night.”

Dorothea’s gaze flew to Fenton.

An easy smile slid onto Rushton’s face. “You need not face the
gallows or jail, either of you.” The earl shifted to gaze upon Dorothea.

“What do you mean?” Fenton sounded scared. He should have been
scared. Rushton was not making an idle threat.

“A most convincing performance, Harding,” Rushton’s voice was
more accusing than complimentary. “I commend you on your ability to impersonate
my nephew. I might point out his mane is naturally dark, not created to appear
so.”

The earl fingered the ends of Fenton’s hair, then held them out
to reveal a dark residue.

“This was all your idea!” Fenton shouted in his defense, jabbing
an accusing finger at Dorothea.

“Do not say another word,” Dorothea warned through clenched teeth
with alarming calm.

“I do not need a confession.” Rushton’s demeanor took on the
noble stature of a peer of the realm. “I can stand testament to your guilt.”

Rushton stared into Fenton’s eyes, verifying recognition.

“I’m not going to the gallows to save you,” Fenton exclaimed.

“Shut up, you fool!” she shouted.

“I am a fair man,” Rushton stated. “I give you a choice. You have
until tomorrow afternoon to leave the country or I shall report you to the
authorities myself.”

Dorothea’s mouth opened in outrage. Randall expected to hear a
protest. None came.

“We have cause to celebrate,” Rushton proclaimed upon his arrival
the following night at Rushton Manor. “Break out the champagne, Watkins!”

“You are back!” Ivy remarked. He pulled Ivy near and planted a
kiss on each cheek. “We are just about to sit down to supper.”

Randall met with a hardy welcome from William and a reserved greeting
from Larissa. “My dear.” He bent over her hand and gave it a slight squeeze,
then announced, “We have been successful. My name has been cleared and the
culprits have fled!”

The pop of a champagne cork echoed from the hallway.

The earl told of the robbery. In hindsight, Randall realized
danger was minimal, yet Uncle Cyrus exaggerated the tale into one that held the
utmost drama. Rushton had Ivy, Larissa, and William sitting literally on the
edge of their chairs.

Watkins finally arrived with the champagne and circulated through
the room, distributing the glasses.

“To all of us!” Rushton raised his glass in a toast. The others
chorused the cheer.

“Look.” Randall directed Larissa’s attention to his glass. “I’d
have thought the champagne flat by now, but it has bubbles.” It was a jab at
how long it had taken the ancient butler to pull the cork and deliver the
champagne to the guests.

Larissa gasped at Randall’s ill manners. He was not usually rude,
but he felt little patience since every moment spent with her had been
interrupted.

Rushton had settled next to Ivy on the sofa. After a second glass
of champagne, he urged his nephew to finish the tale. Randall recounted the
events of the confrontation of Dorothea and Fenton at the theater.

All through supper they discussed and theorized about the two
villains. After the meal, Ivy and Larissa left the men to their port. The men
did not remain and followed Rushton to the drawing room instead.

“I really should be on my way,” William offered, finishing the
remainder of his after dinner drink.

“Must you? So soon?” Randall sounded rather anxious and
encouraging. Larissa applied her sharp elbow to Randall’s ribs, silencing him.

“I’m afraid I must. I have outlived my usefulness and far
overstayed my welcome,” he explained.

“William, you mustn’t think so,” Larissa voiced in sympathy.

“Please,” he held up his hand. “Just promise me you’ll keep this
young pup from finding any more trouble.”

“I shall do my best.” The blush that rose in her cheeks was so
very attractive, Randall thought.

Noting he would be rising early to leave for
Carswell
Castle, William finished his farewells and retired for the night. Randall was
grateful beyond measure to his friend and even more indentured to him because
he was the first to bed.

Ivy was the next to claim fatigue. No doubt Rushton would follow
his wife, leaving Randall and Larissa alone.

“All this is so very exciting,” the countess said. “Much too
exciting for me.” She kissed her niece on the cheek. “I share your happiness on
the return of your husband.” Addressing Randall she said, “I congratulate you
on your newfound freedom.” She pressed her cheek to his. At the doorway, the
countess spoke to Rushton. “I shall see you presently, I hope.” She widened her
eyes, giving him a silent order to follow.

“Yes, dear,” he agreed. “As you say, presently.”

Did this mean Uncle Cyrus was not going with her?

“Come with me, my boy. I want to discuss an increase in your
quarterly allowance. Now that you’re a married man, no doubt you will want to
buy a house and settle down.”

“I don’t really think now is the best time,” Randall said,
hampering his uncle as tactfully as he could. It had been an age since he had
seen Larissa, and he hadn’t the chance for a proper greeting since his arrival.
He glanced in her direction and longed to be near her.

“Now’s precisely the time,” Rushton countered. He wanted to speak
to his nephew and Randall knew there was nothing he could say to change his
uncle’s mind.

His reunion with Larissa would have to wait just a bit longer.

Sitting on the small sofa near the fire in her bedchamber,
Larissa leafed through a book when a light rap came from the connecting door.
It swung open, revealing a dressing gown-clad Sir Randall.

He strode into the room, a matching sash tied at the waist kept
the garment bound, but the open neck exposed part of his smooth chest with just
a dusting of dark hair.