The Captain (14 page)

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Authors: Lynn Collum

BOOK: The Captain
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The old gentleman nodded his head. “He adored women from his earliest years, but I cannot think that had anything to do with his death. He was always very discreet. No, I'm certain it's the fortune. What else could it be? Why else involve you if not for the fortune?”
The captain leaned forward. “Are there any suspects?”
The solicitor shrugged. “If I were a betting man, I would say either Matthew Blanchett's son, Claude, or Giles Devere.”
“My cousins?”
“Both have expensive tastes, both could use a fortune for different reasons, and both have shown some interest in finding you, my dear. Albeit they might have inquired for the information on their parents' behalf.”
Jacinda wasn't close with either cousin, but still it was hard for her to believe that Giles or Claude would have hired someone to kill her and her father. Yet money made men do dreadful things. During her time on London's streets, she'd seen men fight over a shilling. “How would they benefit if they aren't in my father's will?'
Wilkins arched a brow at her.“ I've given it a great deal of thought and I suspect that over the last few days of your father's life he may have drawn up a new will. I've even convinced your Cousin Millicent to search for one, but she's had no success so far.”
“Is that very likely?” Jacinda remembered that something had been troubling her father those last few days. He'd had numerous visitors but had explained none of it to them.
“It's possible if he were in a hurry, he drafted a will on his own, using his old will as a model. It is distinctly possible the will is somewhere in Chettwood Manor and may tell us who would benefit if you ...” The old gentleman's face flushed crimson.
“Were dead.” Jacinda finished the sentence for the old gentleman. “Then I must return home. I must look for that will.”
“My dear child, that would only be safe if you were married.” The old solicitors' eyes widened as his own words struck him. He looked to her companion. “Captain, are you willing to marry Miss Blanchett as the terms of the betrothal contact state?”
“I am. 'Tis an excellent solution, sir.”
Startled, Jacinda turned to the captain. His charmingly innocent grin didn't fool her for a moment. She'd been duped into coming to London. There he sat, looking like the cat who'd eaten the canary, and a very handsome one at that, his smile making him too charming for her to be truly angry.
A strange sensation raced through her at the thought of marrying the gentleman. It would be wonderful to allow someone else to be the strong one for a change. For the past five years, since Trudy had fallen ill, Jacinda had managed every aspect of her life and Ben's. Her gaze played over Captain Morrow's strong face and she sensed that he would protect her in all things.
Then her mother's words echoed in her mind:
He must love you as you love him.
She wasn't even certain about her own feelings ... how could she know his? He was a man one could admire, but she wasn't completely certain she could trust him, so how could she think about love?
“Miss Blanchett,” the captain sat forward in the seat beside her, breaking into her chaotic thoughts. “Jacinda, we have been betrothed these eight years. The papers were duly signed. I read them recently at my father's solicitor's office. I made a mistake that day so long ago but I have returned, and I intend to fulfill—”
Jacinda held up her hand to stop his words as she shook her head. It was evident what he intended to say and she didn't want to hear the words. He was going to talk about their duty to their fathers. Why, he hadn't even bothered to take her hand as he was proposing to her. “No!”
“My dear, Miss Blanchett,” the solicitor's calm voice interrupted. “You mustn't be missish. We are talking about your life. The captain is willing; I cannot see any reason to delay. It is a very good match, especially since the captain is no longer deficient in funds.”
Jacinda's thoughts were in a swirl. They were talking of funds, not love. Marriage was too important for her to tie herself to a man who would marry her out of duty. Still she knew her life to be in danger, and these two men would never allow her back into Chettwood without the protection of a husband.
“Jacinda,” the captain spoke her name softly and the intimacy of it sent a strange tingle through her. “I shall have Mr. Wilkins draw up a settlement that will allow you to keep your fortune separate.”
She stared into the depths of his dark green eyes and found herself wanting to say yes. He was handsome, smart, and kind, what more could she want in a husband? But the same thing kept repeating in her head.
Love,
she wanted love.
“Child, a husband could save your life, and—”
Suddenly, Jacinda knew what to do. “I agree, Mr. Wilkins. A husband is what I need. Captain Morrow and I shall
pretend
to be married, if you are still willing to do this my way, sir.” Seeing the protest on his well-shaped lips, she crossed her arms. “We pretend to be married, or I go back to pulling weeds in your garden, Captain.”
The two gentlemen exchanged an exasperated glance about the obstinacy of females, but at last the captain nodded his assent. “Very well, I shall do it your way. But you must promise you will be careful.”
“I have no wish to depart this world, Captain. I shall be very careful.”
His gaze raked her. “And of course, you cannot continue to dress as a lad.”
Jacinda tugged at her waistcoat. She hadn't even thought about her clothes. “New gowns?” A thrill of delight stirred in her. She'd never really had an opportunity to choose her own clothes. Aunt Devere and Cousin Millie had always done that when she was a youngster and there had been no pretty gowns while she'd been in hiding. Then she was suddenly guilty. This wasn't about how she would look, but finding her father's killer.
The old solicitor rose. “My dear, allow me to take you to my daughter. No doubt her
modeste
would be delighted to serve you. With your funds we shall have you turned out as a proper lady by the end of the week.”
 
 
“Here are the marriage lines I had Harwick draw up for you.” Mr. Wilkins handed the paper across the desk to Drew some ten days later. “They won't stand for too close a scrutiny, so do be careful. We chose the parish in Tunbridge Wells in County Kent. A fair distance from London and especially Westbury. We didn't want one of her relations going through the registry for there would be no evidence of a wedding.”
Drew scanned the document. It looked official enough to him but then he couldn't say he'd ever seen marriage lines before.
Mr. Wilkins continued. “Also, if you will, give this document to Miss Blanchett.”
“Perhaps you should begin to refer to her as Mrs. Morrow.” Drew smiled at the old gentleman as he folded the phony license and put it in his pocket.
The solicitor nodded and continued, “I have set aside twenty thousand pounds into a separate account for young Ben Trudeau and purchased a small business for a Miss Lili LeBeau of Wapping as Miss Blanchett requested. Even should, God forbid, something happen to her, no one could touch that money or the business. For the lad, the money is duly his to do with as he will on reaching one-and-twenty. I have made you and Miss, er, I mean Mrs. Morrow joint on the lad's guardianship.”
“Nothing will happen to Jacinda, sir. I promise.” Perhaps he was being overly confident, but he wouldn't allow anyone to inflict more harm on her.
Mr. Wilkins sat back in his chair. Worried lights hovered in the depths of his eyes. “When do you leave for Somerset? I have written to her family and informed them that she is found and returning home within the next week.”
“The carriage I hired is being loaded even as we speak. Your daughter is dropping her at the hotel this afternoon.” Drew was anxious to see her. It had taken the better part of a week but there were three trunks already loaded with Jacinda's new wardrobe, as well as the new clothing for young Ben. They'd scarcely seen Jacinda all week, what with fittings and shopping. “We shall go straight to Chettwood Manor. I have so many workmen at Rowland Park making repairs I thought to use that as an excuse for our staying at her home.”
There could be little doubt that was where they should be, but there was also the increased danger. “Do be careful, sir.”
“You forget that Ben will be helping me. Together we shall keep her safe.” Drew rose.
“I wasn't referring to Mrs. Morrow, but to you, Captain. By marrying Miss Blanchett, you have put yourself in harm's way if our murderer is quite determined.”
“That was the plan, Mr. Wilkins. Better me than a defenseless woman.” On those words, Drew departed.
 
 
A knock sounded at the door of the hotel room and before Jacinda could say a word, Ben's head appeared round the door. “May I come in?”
“Of course.” She turned from the looking glass, where she had been admiring Madame Chloe's handiwork since Mrs. Houston had left her to return to family. Even now, Jacinda was stunned by the attractive young female in the glass. For the first time in eight years she felt like Miss Blanchett of Chettwood Manor.
Ben stepped in from the hallway and Jacinda hardly recognized him. The captain had had the lad's hair cut fashionably short and provided him with a new wardrobe. He looked quite the young gentleman despite the fact his mother was a chambermaid and his father a highwayman. It went a long way to convincing Jacinda that much could be done to improve the plight of the common man. Perhaps if so many youngsters weren't out on the streets fending for themselves at an early age, there would be less crime. Once she was back at Chettwood and established she must look into founding an orphanage that would teach children and not just warehouse them.
The lad eyed her expectantly for a moment and when she remained mute because she was lost in thought, he said, “Jack, am I not as fine as five pence?” She smiled as he turned around slowly for her to admire all his finery.
Jacinda smiled at his continued use of the old name and at his pride in his new looks. She couldn't have been prouder of him if he truly were her own little brother. But she was certain he wouldn't want any untoward display of affection so she merely said, “You are even finer than that. You will have all the young ladies in Westbury after you.”
The lad grunted, but whether from pleasure or disgust was unclear. His eyes suddenly widened as he took in Jacinda's new apparel. “Bloody hell, if you ain't beautiful, Jack.”
Jacinda was pleased at his compliment, but not his words. “What have I told you about such language young man? A gentleman never says such and I do so dislike the word ‘ain't.' ”
Ben straightened, folded his hands politely in front of him and in a deep voice said, “My dear Miss Blanchett, you are quite exquisite, if I may say.” Then he bowed with a great flourish and twinkling eyes. “How was that?”
They both fell into peals of laughter, which they had a difficult time controlling even after a knock sounded on the door. Before Jacinda could say a word, Ben opened the door to reveal Captain Morrow.
Her heart seemed to skip a beat at the sight of him. He looked handsome in his blue jacket, blue and white stripped waistcoat, and tan breeches with Hessians. She'd seen little of Ben and the captain; Mrs. Houston had insisted that she stay at Half Moon Street with her since she had no maid to keep things proper. But her week had been quite fun, shopping, playing with her hostess's young girls, and getting back into the feel of being a lady.
The captain stood for a moment in the doorway. He couldn't quite fathom that the beauty before him was once young Jack. Her golden brown hair had been styled into fashionable curls with a ribbon run though them. She looked elegant in a pale green traveling gown that showed her slender figure to perfection. The gown was trimmed with gold military-style frogging at the bodice, a ruff of gold lace inset at her collar. Tiny black leaves had been embroidered along the hem and at the ends of her sleeves. A straw casquet bonnet with small green flowers along the brim lay on the table beside her
He took her hand and pressed a kiss on her glove. “My dear, you are too lovely for words.” Was that a look of fear in her hazel eyes, or merely uncertainty for what lay ahead? If the boy hadn't been there, the urge to take her in his arms would have been too great. Drew released her hand and stepped back.
“Yeah,” Ben said, “who would have thought Jack could look a proper lady?”
Both adults stared at him as if he'd spoken a curse word in polite company. “Uh, you know what I meant.” When neither one agreed, he added, “Perhaps we should be going, Jack. It's a long ride back to Somerset.”
The captain offered Jacinda his arm. “The lad is right on that account. We want to reach Chettwood in a timely manner.”
A slight tremor went through her arm as she lifted it to take his. His hand closed over her smaller one, which rested on his sleeve. “Don't be frightened, my dear. I promise I'll protect you.”

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