Protecting Lady Esther (The King's League Book 1)

by Lucy Adams

  Esther licked her lips, her mouth a little dry. “I see,” she managed to say, feeling a sense of pride rise up within her over Lord Westbrook’s revelation.

  “Your father was also within this group,” Lord Westbrook continued, making her stumble in shock. “He left it when his wife died.” His eyes returned to hers, holding a good deal of uncertainty as he placed his hand over hers as it rested on his arm; no longer walking but standing together at the side of the path. “I am certain you did not know of this.”

  Esther could not quite form words, the shock of his revelation running over her like a cold stream of water.

  “You did not,” Lord Westbrook mumbled, dropping his head. “I fear, Lady Esther, that your father has somehow become involved with a most important mission that is currently underway. I believe that he has been given something that the French seek, something that we must find if we are to put a stop to their secretive workings right under our very noses.” His jaw worked furiously for a moment and he looked away, betraying just how strongly he felt about this particular matter. “I believe that this is why your father has disappeared.”

  Esther listened as Lord Westbrook quickly explained about the book, the cipher, and a gentleman called Sir Taylor, who had died in his attempt to defend England. Her breath caught as Lord Westbrook explained as to why her father’s estate study had been ransacked and about the gentleman with the scar. Her heart began to beat painfully as she realized what Lord Westbrook was saying: her very own father was involved in a secretive campaign and had escaped from London in order to preserve his cipher and to protect both himself and her.

  “I believe your father has gone into hiding and will have done so in order to ensure that he cannot be discovered by any of our enemies,” Lord Westbrook finished. “And he will have wanted to remove any suspicion from you.”

  “Then why did someone try to shoot me yesterday?” she asked, surprised at how reedy her voice sounded. “If I am to be without suspicion, then why do such a thing?”

  “Leverage, mayhap?” Lord Westbrook suggested, running his fingers over hers as they began to walk again. “If they injure you and your father hears of it, then he will most likely reveal himself so that you will be spared from further pain.”

  Esther’s head began to grow fuzzy with thoughts and questions pouring into it, making her wince and shake her head. This was not at all what she had expected, for she had never once even considered that her father would be involved in something like this. Lord Westbrook too had appeared to be nothing more than a gentleman of the ton, and she had never even thought that he was anything more. To know that both Lord Westbrook and her father were in The King’s League was rather overwhelming and certainly a good deal to take in.

  “You will be confused, I understand,” Lord Westbrook said gently, perhaps seeing her whirling emotions. “I am sorry that I did not tell you this from the beginning, but I was doing my level best to protect you.”

  “Those gentlemen.” Esther’s head shot up as she looked up into Lord Westbrook’s face, suddenly realizing something. “The gentlemen I danced with at the last ball – they were in this league as well, were they not?” She recalled the strange look on Lord Westbrook’s face as he had looked at her dance card, remembered the odd smile on his face as Lord Hogarth had come to claim her. “They were your associates.”

  Lord Westbrook nodded, his lips quirking. “Yes, Lady Esther, they were,” he admitted. “And you did well to notice my reaction to them.”

  She blushed, turning her head away. “I feel as though I do not know you very well at all, Lord Westbrook,” she told him. “But I understand your reasons for keeping such information entirely to yourself.”

  “As I must now ask for you to do so as well,” he told her gravely, the lightness gone from his expression in a moment. “None can know of what I have told you, Lady Esther. We do our level best to ensure that none within the beau monde know of our exploits. I have told you because I think it right and because you must be able to understand what it is we are dealing with.”

  She did not hesitate, squeezing his arm gently. “Of course, you have my word,” she promised fervently. “In a way, Lord Westbrook, I am proud of my father and the work he has done. It is difficult to understand why he returned to it now, but—”

  “I do not think he had any choice in the matter,” Lord Westbrook interrupted, his voice filled with kindness. “I believe that Sir Taylor sent him the cipher and begged him to guard it with his life and to then take it to London so that he might pass it on to The King’s League.”

  “I see.” Esther frowned, her mind and heart beginning to settle themselves as they walked. The very act of walking seemed to bring a peace to her, as though the quietness of the park and the beauty of the gardens were there simply to calm her. “Then someone knew that the cipher had been given to my father.”

  Lord Westbrook nodded, his brow lined and deeply furrowed. “Indeed, although we do not yet know who. The man with the scar, the gentleman you saw calling upon your father who then came to attack you at the hackney – he is the gentleman we now seek. I believe that he knew of the cipher and of it being in your father’s possession and came to seek it out.”

  Esther blinked rapidly, trying to hold back a sudden swell of tears that came with the memory of her father standing in the study that day, looking pale and fearful as she had gone in to speak with him. “He would not tell me who the gentleman was,” she murmured. “If only he had, then I might now be able to help him.”

  Lord Westbrook settled his free hand over hers for a moment, his comfort a kindness to her. “Your father knew that you wished to aid him, Lady Esther, but you were his first consideration. He wanted to protect you in any way he could. I am certain of that.”

  She sniffed, glad that she had managed to hold back her tears. “The scarred gentleman did not injure him however.” She glanced up at Lord Westbrook, who nodded. “Do you think he came only to threaten him?”

  “I must consider it to have been so,” Lord Westbrook agreed. “Knowing that the cipher was of the utmost importance and that there was no time now to hand it to The King’s League, Lord Leighton did the only thing he could think of and disappeared.”

  “He was trying to both protect me and do his duty to his country,” Esther whispered, her heart aching for her father. “My poor, dear papa. If only he had told me, then we might then have worked together to ensure that he was free from danger.”

  Lord Westbrook smiled and shook his head. “You are much too precious to have risked that, my dear lady,” he said, his voice filled with a tenderness she had not expected to hear from him. “I can well understand Lord Leighton’s motivation. To have something so precious within one’s life that they cannot imagine being without it is an overwhelming emotion that directs one’s purposes in a way that they would not expect.” He looked away, then darted his gaze back to her again, looking a little abashed. “I will continue to be by your side, Lady Esther, to protect you and to ensure that your father is discovered safely, but I must also now put to you the question that I began with.” Clearing his throat, he swallowed hard, evidencing his nervousness. “What say you to my courtship, Lady Esther? Will you accept it?”

  Esther took in a long breath, letting it fill her lungs and filling her with the reassurance that she needed. Now that she knew the truth in all of its entirety, she could not help but be grateful to Lord Westbrook all the more for what he had done. He had come to her aid and had refused to leave, knowing more about her situation that even she did. Now he had told her the truth. He had wanted her to understand everything so that she would no longer be caught up in confusion but rather so that she could see clearly. The trust he had in her spoke to her heart, warmed her soul, and spread life all through her.

  Her answer was immediate.

  “Of course I will, Lord Westbrook,” she told him, seeing how he blinked in surprise. “You did not think that I would refuse you, did you?”

 
“I…” Lord Westbrook stumbled to a stop for a moment, looking still a little unassured. “I could not be certain, Lady Esther. There is more to my life than there first appears, and I could not be sure how you would react when you heard of it.”

  She pressed his arm again, wishing she could find a way to express herself a little more carefully. “I think you the most wonderful of gentlemen, Lord Westbrook. You have defended me, protected me, and kept me from my own foolishness. To know now that you are doing the King’s work, that you are protecting England from the attacks of its enemies – how could I turn from you now?” His eyes met hers and she saw them practically glow, his lips curving into a smile that spread heat all through her. “I have a great admiration for you, Lord Westbrook and would be glad of your courtship.”

  Lord Westbrook let out a long breath, clearly more relieved than he had been willing to reveal at the first. “Then I am glad to hear it, Lady Esther,” he answered carefully. “But I must be honest with you again also. I do not intend for this courtship to come to an end once your father is safely with you again.” He stopped and turned to look at her, his dark brown eyes swirling with unspoken emotion. “I fully intend to continue our courtship until it reaches its inevitable conclusion.”

  A frown marred her brow, confused by what he meant.

  “An engagement,” he said, seeing her lack of understanding. “I offer you my courtship with the intention of both engagement and marriage, Lady Esther.”

  “I see.” Her heart began to beat furiously, making her wonder if he could hear it. Heat infused her cheeks as she dropped her head, feeling a little embarrassed at the emotions that ran through her.

  “If you do not wish to accept me with this new knowledge, then I quite understand.”

  Esther’s head flew up, her eyes widening. “You quite misunderstand me, Lord Westbrook,” she exclaimed, seeing the slight sadness about his mouth. “It is not that I consider refusing you, but rather that I am overwhelmed with what you are offering me.” Her voice softened, her whole being alive with the urge to tell him the truth that was within her heart. “You are quite wonderful, Lord Westbrook. I have spoken of how I admire you but I will be honest with you now and state that my heart is also involved.” Her cheeks grew hot, but Esther forced herself to continue, not holding anything back. “I have come to find your company prized higher than any other,” she said, looking up into his face. “I have found myself sorrowful when we must part. In short, Lord Westbrook, I must be truthful and state that my heart holds a deep regard for you that continues to grow with every passing hour. I accept your offer of courtship, Lord Westbrook, for it is more than I have ever allowed myself to hope for.”

  Silence met her words. Lord Westbrook stared down at her, his expression one of mild astonishment. Esther, fearing that she had said too much and revealed more than she ought, grew embarrassed and made to turn away, only for Lord Westbrook to capture her hand.

  His head lowered. His hand rested on her shoulder. His lips brushed hers.

  And then, it was over. The air seemed to be warmer, the day brighter and the colors and fragrance all the more beautiful. Dazed, Esther leaned on Lord Westbrook’s arm a little more, seeing how his smile was one of sheer tenderness.

  “Let us pray that your aunt did not see such an action,” Lord Westbrook murmured, his eyes teasing. “But I could not resist, Lady Esther.” Reaching out, he let his fingers brush down her cheek, making her skin tingle with the awareness of him. “You speak more openly than I am able to, Lady Esther. Do not for a moment think that I am unaffected by you. I have struggled with what I feel and what my duties are, but my heart will not permit me to remain silent. My affection for you is growing, just as you say your regard has done for me. I did not think I would ever have such joy when it came to seeking to court a lady, but now that I have asked it, now that you have accepted me, I find that my heart is singing so loudly that I am certain all can hear it.”

  Esther laughed softly, wishing she could step into his arms and have him hold her close. This was more wonderful than anything she could have thought of, more glorious than her happiest thought. Lord Westbrook cared for her, just as she cared for him. Even in the depths of her struggle, in the sorrow and confusion as regarded her father’s whereabouts, there came a deep sense of happiness that clung to her, refusing to let her go. No matter what happened, she would have Lord Westbrook by her side, as her stalwart and her companion, and that knowledge brought her such joy that she could barely speak.

  “We should return to your aunt and inform her of our news,” Lord Westbrook murmured, letting his hand drop to his side before turning and offering her his arm once more. “Of our courtship, I mean, nothing more.”

  Esther smiled and took his arm, feeling a new intimacy growing between them as they fell into step. “What must be done next, as regards the cipher?”

  Lord Westbrook sighed and shook his head. “The other gentlemen continue with their search for the scarred man, and for your father. We have looked for clues in both Sir Taylor’s home and in the study of your father’s but have found nothing. However, now that you may be in danger, Lady Esther, my sole duty is to you. I shall ensure that you leave the house in safety and return to it in the same manner.” His eyes grew serious as he looked down at her. “And if you will permit me, I shall speak to the butler and ensure that a guard is kept outside your room every night. I shall be discreet, of course, but it must be done.”

  Feeling more and more reassured, Esther nodded and saw him smile briefly. “I thank you for all of your help, Lord Westbrook,” she murmured, speaking more quietly as they drew near the carriage. “You have done so much for me already and now to become something all the more permanent within my life is an extraordinary gift.”

  He chuckled, smiling down at her. “Then I suppose I should be glad of your foolishness that night, Lady Esther,” he said, making her laugh. “Else we might never have reached this moment.”

  “That is quite true,” she agreed, teasing him. “But it seems my foolishness had a purpose, and so I shall not regret doing what I did in attending The Shrew alone.”

  “No, nor shall I,” came the reply, as the door to carriage opened and Lady Ware looked out expectantly, a broad smile lingering on her lips. Laughing at her aunt’s hopeful gaze, Esther hurried forward, ready to share her news and her happiness and silently praying that, sometime soon, her father would be present also so as to give Lord Westbrook his blessing.

  Chapter Eleven

  Charles rose to his feet, frustration building within him. “I must go,” he muttered, as some of the other gentlemen continued to talk amongst themselves. “I am to collect Lady Esther and Lady Ware.”

  Lord Brandley nodded and slapped Charles on the shoulder. “Do not try to be too dismayed,” he said. “We will find something.”

  Gritting his teeth, Charles waited until the urge to retort back harshly had passed. It was not Lord Brandley’s fault that their investigations had come to naught. It had been ten days now since their last meeting, and in that time, he had seen someone shoot at Lady Esther, had managed to secure their courtship, told her of his growing feelings, and now spent his days taking her wherever she might wish to go. She was barely out of his sight, which was a relief as it meant he could always be assured of her safety, and indeed, it had given rise to a closer intimacy between them, but still their lack of progress in their investigations burned at him.

  “If there had been anything to discover at Lord Leighton’s estate, I would have discovered it,” Lord Brandley said, as though he was required to justify himself to Charles. “And Lord Riggerton and Lord Hogarth are quite certain that both Lord Autry and Lord Breton have nothing to do with the French.”

  “I am aware of that,” Charles muttered, rubbing his forehead. “As I am also aware that we have seen no sign of the scarred gentleman, that there is no knowledge of who has shot at Lady Esther – although it may very well be the same gentleman – and that we have not made a
ny progress in deciphering the book!” He sighed, gritting his teeth in suppressed frustration.

  “That will come,” Lord Brandley said calmly. “If we discover the whereabouts of Lord Leighton, then we will have the cipher and be able to understand the book. The French will know that we have discovered it, and those who hide within society will, most likely, retreat.”

  “I am aware of that,” Charles retorted, a little more sharply than he had meant. “But as yet, we have done nothing.”

  Lord Brandley sighed. “What can we do?” he asked, spreading his hands. “We have done our level best and yet come up with nothing. The only thing we can do is to continue searching.”

  “I know,” Charles replied, feeling somewhat deflated. “I do not mean to speak harshly, Brandley. It is only that I feel for Lady Esther, as well as feeling as though I am failing in my duty to the king.”

  “You are not,” Lord Brandley said firmly, putting one hand on Charles’s shoulder. “Go now. Be with your lady and take her safely to the ball. I shall be there soon afterwards.”

  Charles, who knew that Lord Brandley was going to be present simply to ensure that Lady Esther was kept quite safe, as he had done on prior occasions, smiled his thanks and felt some of his irritation fade away. “I will,” he replied, shaking Lord Brandley’s hand firmly. “Thank you, Brandley. We will succeed in the end.”

  “As we always do,” Lord Brandley reminded him. “Have no fear. We will find Lord Leighton very soon, I am sure of it.”

  * * *

  “Goodness!”

  Charles could not help but smile at the reaction to the magnificent ball. It was one of the most prestigious balls of the Season, for the Duke of Pottinger had a good deal of wealth and could throw the most exuberant of occasions – and he had not failed to do so here.