by Lucy Adams
His eyes flew open to see Lady Esther staring at him with wide eyes, her brow puckered and one hand rubbing at her arm where he had grasped it. His mouth went dry as he realized that he must have hurt her, reaching for her only for Lady Esther to step back, clearly confused.
“I did not mean to hurt you,” he rasped, one hand pressed against his heart as though this would convince her to believe him. “I do apologize, Lady Esther, but I feared for your safety.”
Lady Esther went sheet white in a moment, blinking rapidly as she stared at him in horror.
“I-I… D-do allow me to explain,” he stammered, reaching for her again and thankful that, this time, she allowed him to take her hand. “Come, Lady Esther. This bookshop is quiet, and we should have a few minutes before your aunt appears.” With an apologetic smile to the shopkeeper for coming into his premises in such a blustering fashion, Charles held Lady Esther’s hand tightly and then carefully led her towards the other end of the shop, although keeping her away from the windows. His eyes scanned the scene outside as best he could, not seeing anyone or anything out of the ordinary. Something truly dreadful had occurred and had Lady Esther taken even a small step to her left, then things might have now been all the worse. He could not even imagine it. The vision of Lady Esther lying in a pool of blood at his feet haunted him.
“Lord Westbrook?”
He turned to her, leading her a little way further down, right into the shadows and praying that Lady Ware would take a few minutes longer before deciding to follow after them.
“You believed that there was a bee, did you not?” he asked her, seeing her give a tiny nod. “It was not so, Lady Esther.”
She let out a shuddering breath, closing her eyes as though to fortify herself. “Then what was it, Lord Westbrook?”
“It was a bullet,” he said softly, not wanting to frighten her but knowing he had to tell her the truth. “I saw it embedded in the door of the bookshop.” He held her hand tightly, fearing that she might faint, but instead Lady Esther simply opened her eyes and held his gaze, her chest rising and falling with quick breaths. Holding her gaze, he looked deeply into her eyes and saw her color begin to return to her cheeks, as though now that she knew the threat was past, she could begin to quieten herself again.
“I cannot think that anyone save yourself was the target,” he said softly. “I believe this must be connected to your father, Lady Esther.”
Lady Esther nodded at once, taking in a long, deep breath and lifting her chin just a little. “I see.”
“Perhaps someone wants to injure you so as to force your father to reveal himself, or to reveal the location of the item he possesses,” Charles continued quickly. “They may be using your life as forfeit…to force his hand.”
A slight paleness crept back into Lady Esther’s expression as she considered this, pressing her lips together hard. “Then they have not succeeded,” she said softly, her voice betraying no sense of fear. “They have failed entirely.”
“But you must be on your guard,” he replied. “If someone is willing to shoot at you in the middle of a London street, then I have no doubt that they will continue to pursue you at any opportunity.” He squeezed her hand, wanting her to realize the severity of their situation. “I cannot be away from you, Lady Esther. You must always be on your guard.”
Taking in a long breath, Lady Esther closed her eyes for a moment and then placed her free hand atop their joined ones. “I am not your responsibility, Lord Westbrook,” she said quietly. “I would not want you to feel obliged.”
He shook his head at once, fully aware that there was more than just a slight fondness for the lady before him. He admired her tenacity, her courage, and her determination. He found her conversation enjoyable, her intelligence challenging, and her laughter lifting his spirits. She was extraordinarily beautiful, but she did not use her beauty to flirt with gentlemen or to toy with their hearts. All in all, Lady Esther was quite perfect and his affection for her was growing steadily. “I do not feel obliged,” he told her. “I find myself eager to be by your side, Lady Esther. I find that I want to protect you, for I am in great admiration of your spirit despite your difficult circumstances. You are truly wonderful, Lady Esther, and therefore I would be glad to speak to your aunt. It is the only way that I can be almost permanently by your side, although you shall have to promise not to remove yourself from the house without my presence.”
Thankfully, Lady Esther nodded at once, clearly willing to do whatever he asked of her.
“There are others I must speak to, in order to inform them of our changed circumstances,” he continued calmly. “There is a good deal more I must tell you, Lady Esther, but I cannot do so now. I shall, first, have to ensure that you are returned to your aunt and to her carriage in safety.” He was about to lead Lady Esther back towards the door when the sound of Lady Ware’s voice was heard coming from the door, making his heart sink. He was too late to return Lady Esther, which meant that they would now have to pretend that everything was quite all right until Lady Ware decided it was time for them to return.
“Ah, there you are Esther. Have you found anything that you might wish to purchase?” Lady Ware’s voice was warm and friendly, but Charles did not feel anything but worry. Thankfully, Lady Esther appeared to have recovered herself significantly, smiling at her aunt and gesturing towards a book that she had only just seen herself! Lady Ware seemed to think nothing of this and showed a good deal of interest in the book itself, smiling politely at Charles when he cleared his throat.
“If you will excuse me for just a moment,” he said, inclining his head. “There is something that I have just seen that I must attend to.” He did not explain more, seeing Lady Esther’s eyes flare and giving her a brief nod of encouragement. Then, without hesitation, he walked towards the door and stepped outside.
He did not pause at the door nor turn to look significantly at the gouge where the bullet would be. Whoever had fired the shot would not still be about, surely, but it was best not to draw attention to himself. Whilst he worked for The King’s League, Charles had made very careful to ensure that he did not give himself away so that his enemies would not know him to be anything other than the Earl of Westbrook. Therefore, he could not tarry, and he could not turn to look at the door and study it for fear of who might be watching. Instead, he hurried towards Lady Ware’s carriage, seeing the driver snap to attention almost at once.
“You there,” he said firmly. “Bring the carriage a little closer to the bookshop, if you please.” He shot a quick glance up to the sky, relieved to see a cloud going over the sun. “It may rain, and it is best that you are close at hand to save the ladies within the shop from becoming drenched.”
The driver glanced doubtfully at the white clouds in the sky but nodded without a single word of complaint. He flicked the reins and the horses began to move slowly forward, allowing Charles to take in a breath of relief. Lady Esther would be quite safe, for he would ensure that she hurried to the carriage and did not linger, not even for a moment. Then, it would simply be a matter of returning them to the house.
Frowning again as he thought of what had just occurred Charles shook his head to himself and then moved forward quickly, keeping in line with the carriage. Once it had reached the place in the road just in front of the bookshop, Charles gave a nod to the driver and then turned back towards the door.
“Lord Hogarth!”
The gentleman, his head low and his brow furrowed, glanced up, coming to a complete stop as he turned towards Charles, a smile on his face.
“Westbrook!” he exclaimed, looking pleased. “I was just on my way to Whites. Heard that Lord Autry is gone there early today, to avoid some afternoon tea with some great-aunt or other.” He chuckled and gestured towards the pavement. “I should be getting along.”
“If I might have a moment,” Charles murmured, lowering his voice as Lord Hogarth’s face grew suddenly serious. “There is a matter I must share with you.” Briefly, h
e told Lord Hogarth what had occurred, and as he did, he saw the shock etch itself into the gentleman’s features. “And now I must bring Lady Esther and Lady Ware out to the carriage in safety.”
Lord Hogarth nodded. “But of course.”
“Once I have departed,” Charles continued, “then might you step forward and examine the door? Take out the bullet, if you can retrieve it.” Seeing Lord Hogarth’s expression, Charles shook his head. “The size will be important. It will tell us whether the attacked wished to take her life or merely injure her.”
Lord Hogarth’s eyes rounded, but he nodded at once, his expression very grave indeed. “But of course,” he said at once. “That is truly terrible, Westbrook. To attempt to shoot a young lady in the middle of the afternoon is not only audacious, it is foolishly bold! Anyone might have seen him.”
“But they did not,” Charles grated, his anger beginning to flare. “But I shall not allow him to either injure or kill Lady Esther. She is under my protection, and I will not let her out of my sight.”
Lord Hogarth nodded gravely, then indicated the bookshop. “I shall wait here, of course, until she is gone into the carriage with you. Have no fear, Westbrook, it shall be done just as you ask.”
“And I will come to seek you in Whites thereafter,” Charles said, as Lord Hogarth nodded. “I thank you, Hogarth. For the King.”
“For the King,” Lord Hogarth repeated, before turning away to move to another part of the street, where Charles knew he would be watching. Taking in a deep breath and forcing a smile to his face, Charles returned to the bookshop where he knew both Lady Ware and Lady Esther would be waiting.
It was as he suspected. Both ladies had found books but had not yet purchased them. As gallantly as he could, Charles took them to the shopkeeper and paid for them at once, having them wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, ready for the ladies to carry to the carriage.
“Please,” he said, taking the parcels and then offering his arm to Lady Esther. “Allow me.” Lady Esther smiled shyly then accepted his arm, leaning a little closer to him as they approached the door. Lady Ware, with a warm smile on her face and eyes that were lit with delight at the sight of her niece walking beside the earl, followed after them both without a word.
Charles’s stomach tightened as he led Lady Esther out of the shop and directly towards the carriage. He wanted to allow his gaze to rove all over the street, to search for any sign of the gunman, but instead he fixed his eyes on the carriage and prayed that Lord Hogarth would be doing precisely that. With a tenseness that he could not remove from himself, Charles moved quickly, forcing Lady Esther’s footsteps to quicken as she hurried along beside him.
“I must speak to you at length, Lady Esther,” he murmured, as they drew near the carriage. “There is a good deal I must now explain.” Her eyes widened as she looked at him, but there was a firmness about her expression that encouraged him. “Perhaps tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” she said, as the carriage door was opened by one of the tigers. “Although I cannot promise that my aunt will leave us in peace.”
“A carriage ride then,” he said quickly. “And a short stroll through the park, as we have done before?” He knew that Lady Ware would remain within the carriage and allow them to walk together for a short distance, so long as she could see them still. This made Lady Esther’s expression clear, a small smile lifting her lips as she nodded.
“Until then,” he said, lifting her hand and pressing it to his lips for just a moment. The overwhelming urge to protect her crashed over him, almost forcing him to act. He wanted to climb into the carriage beside her, wanted to wrap his arms about her and hold her close until the danger was passed, but instead he simply let her hand go and stepped aside so she could climb up into the carriage.
Lady Ware was beside him in a moment.
“And mayhap I might have a few minutes of your time tomorrow, Lady Ware?” he asked, a little surprised at how his heart quickened as he looked at the lady. “I have something I must ask you.”
Lady Ware regarded him for a moment, her eyes considering. Then, she smiled and shook her head.
“If you wish to speak to me of courtship, Lord Westbrook, then there is no need to stand on ceremony nor fill my head with your many compliments as regards my niece.” She smiled at him, holding out her hand to him, which he took at once, bowing over it. “You are already accepted, Lord Westbrook,” Lady Ware finished. “If you wish to court my niece, then I can assure you that my brother would be more than delighted to accept your request. Therefore, you may continue on as you please – provided my niece herself agrees.”
Filled with more relief than he had first expected, Charles managed to laugh as he let go of Lady Ware’s hand, wanting nothing more than for them both to climb into the carriage and return home so that they might be kept safe – although he was truly glad that Lady Ware had been so generous as to accept his unspoken request to court Lady Esther. “I shall speak to her tomorrow, if I may,” he said, as Lady Ware climbed into the carriage. “Thank you again, Lady Ware.”
“You are most welcome, Lord Westbrook,” came the reply, as the lady sat back in her seat. “I look forward to your visit tomorrow.”
“As do I.” Charles looked directly at Lady Esther as he said these words, seeing how she blushed and looked away. Despite the fear, despite the worry that ran through him, he could not help but feel a deep sense of happiness over Lady Ware’s acceptance of his offer of courtship and so, it seemed, did Lady Esther, for her expression was one of delight. Watching the carriage roll way, Charles considered the future that lay before him. Courtship could well lead to an engagement, and an engagement would then lead to marriage – and that prospect brought him a good deal of happiness, which he had never truly expected to feel. The thought of being by Lady Esther’s side for the rest of his days was not a sorrowful one, but rather one that brought him an overwhelming sense of happiness, which seemed to fill his very soul. Despite the trying circumstances, Charles could not help but smile as he thought of Lady Esther, silently praying that, one day soon, all would be brought to a happy conclusion so that they might begin to explore a new happiness that would belong to themselves alone.
Chapter Ten
“If you will take my arm, Lady Esther?”
Esther looked up into Lord Westbrook’s face, finding her heart quickening at the gentle look in his eyes. “But of course,” she murmured, aware that there was heat running through her as she accepted his arm. The day was fine, her aunt had chosen to remain in the carriage, and now she and Lord Westbrook were to spend a little time together so that they might discuss matters. Of course, her aunt had already informed Esther that this was solely so that Lord Westbrook could offer her courtship, although she, of course, knew that there was more to be discussed than that alone.
Even so, the prospect of being courted by Lord Westbrook was not a disappointing one. Rather, she was filled with a delicious sense of anticipation, which had grown steadily with every minute that passed.
“I think you must know now that I am to ask to court you,” Lord Westbrook said gently, as they began to walk slowly together through the park. “Your aunt perhaps discussed my intention with you.”
Esther nodded, finding her breathing becoming a little ragged, as she looked directly ahead, taking in the beautiful flowers that filled the park, smelling the wonderful scents that lingered on the air. She tried to use them to keep her nervousness from growing but did not quite manage to succeed.
“I do offer you courtship, Lady Esther,” Lord Westbrook continued, his voice rather grave for something that was meant to be a wonderful moment. “But before you answer, there is something I must tell you.”
Her stomach tightened, her frayed nerves beginning to knot themselves tighter as she looked up at Lord Westbrook, whose brow was puckered as he turned his gaze away from her.
“Speak, Lord Westbrook,” she said slowly, looking all about her and suddenly fearing that she was g
oing to find herself in another dangerous situation. “We are not in danger, are we?”
Lord Westbrook started violently, then shook his head, as though her question had taken him by surprise.
“You need have no fear of that, Lady Esther,” he told her. “I have men within this park who are ensuring that your safety is guaranteed.” A small, tight smile was thrown her way before he looked away again, his jaw working hard for a moment. Esther did not know what to say or what to do, having never seen Lord Westbrook in such a state before. He appeared to be almost angry, as though he were deeply frustrated about some matter or other, but still, he did not speak. Her heart began to pound frantically, as a trickle of sweat ran down her spine. The tension grew almost unbearable, making her hand tighten on Lord Westbrook’s arm.
“Please, Lord Westbrook,” she said when she could take no more. “Please, you must tell me what is wrong. I do not understand what has occurred, or why someone shot at me only yesterday.” Her steps slowed as she turned herself a little more to look up at him, her fingers digging into his coat. “Do not hold yourself back any longer Lord Westbrook, I beg of you.”
He sighed heavily, ran one hand over his eyes and then nodded, his eyes downcast. “I pray you will not turn away from me when you hear the truth, Lady Esther, for I have done my utmost to protect you.”
She began to walk again, albeit a good deal more slowly this time. “I do not think I should ever be able to turn from you, Lord Westbrook,” she told him. “Not after what you have done for me thus far.”
“But I could have done more,” he said gruffly. “I could have been honest with you from the very beginning, but I believed it best to keep part of my life a secret. A part that your father has kept from you also.”
Esther’s breath caught, and she looked up at him, but Lord Westbrook merely kept his head turned away.
“I am a part of The King’s League,” he said softly, not looking at her. “We are a group of gentlemen who do what we can to root out any of our enemies that have made it to England’s shores. Some of them are within our society, masquerading as English society when, in truth, they are sending back news and information to their side.”