*
Grey, through half-closed eyes, watched as his beloved wife crept from their bed and made her way in the almost dark room to the shared dressing room. He listened to her moving about as she washed and dressed herself. For the first time since they'd been married he didn't feel the urge to get up in order to protect her from unseen danger.
He was still short of sleep and another few hours' shut-eye would do him good. The matter wasn't settled – but he would wait until he heard from his brother-in-law before he took matters further. She emerged fully clothed and carrying her boots. His lips curved in the darkness when he saw she had ignored convention and wore no bonnet or gloves.
Just as the door was opening he pushed himself up on one elbow intending to call her back. There was something he'd much rather do than sleep. Then he reconsidered, if she wished to walk in the garden on her own, then that was her prerogative. He had no intention of being a dictatorial husband.
When he woke again it was fully light and Slater was standing beside his bed. 'Your shaving water's waiting your attention, my lord, and if you don't get a shifty on you'll miss your breakfast.'
Hardly a suitable comment from one's valet, but Slater was so much more than that. They’d been together for many years and he would trust the man with his life.
Grey sat up, yawned and stretched. The look of incredulity on valet's face stumped him for a moment. Then he remembered he was wearing a borrowed nightshirt.
'I know, my wife thought it best and who am I to argue? I've no need to wash as I took a bath last night.' He stripped off his nightshirt, pleased that he was able to move both arms freely this morning. He was dressed and shaved in no time.
He glanced at his watch shocked to find the time already past ten. 'Slater, have you seen my wife this morning? She went out for a walk before six o'clock and I expected her to return here to wait for me to wake.'
'I've not seen her, sir, but I expect she's with Mr Carshalton and Mr Frederick in the dining room.'
'Stay vigilant, I'm still not convinced there's not an inside man.'
The breakfast room was empty but he was so hungry he decided to eat before going in search of Madeline, or his relatives. All soldiers were able to consume vast quantities of food in double quick time and he was no exception.
He searched the downstairs rooms but there was no sign of them. He was so late coming down they were probably outside somewhere. He would try the stables first.
Smith touched his cap as Grey walked under the arch. 'Morning, sir, nothing untoward to report here.'
'Have you seen Lady Madeline or my relatives?'
The man shook his head. 'I ain't seen her ladyship today, sir, but the gentlemen went out an hour or so ago.'
'Any idea where they went?'
'There's been an accident on one of the farms and they’ve gone to see what needs doing.'
A faint flicker of concern ran through him. If Madeline wasn't with them – where the hell was she? Of course – how stupid of him. She was with his grandmother.
He arrived at the apartment and banged loudly on the door. It was opened immediately, and not by the prune-faced maid.
'Is Lady Madeline within?'
The girl shook her head. 'No, I've not seen her and I've been here since seven o'clock.'
'I wish to speak to my grandmother.' He didn't wait to be invited but stepped around the girl and made his way to the bedchamber. He should have visited her sooner, he was fond of the old lady and she deserved better from him. He would spend a few minutes in her company and then resume his search.
He was about to knock when she called out to him. 'Come in, my boy, I've been hoping you would come.'
She was sitting, looking perfectly well, in an upright chair by the window. He bowed. 'I apologise for not visiting before this. I'm glad to see you looking fully recovered and hope you will be joining us for dinner very soon.'
‘Unfortunately my legs no longer work as well as they used to so I'm confined to my apartment for the moment. Sit down, I want to talk to you.' He picked up a chair and carried it across the room and placed it a few feet from her. 'I gather that your prompt action saved my life. I thank you for that.'
'I'm glad I could be of service to you, Grandmamma. No doubt you heard about the near disaster with the balcony – we've searched the entire estate and found no sign of the men who did it.'
'Well, I'm glad that you are both safe.'
'I intend to make sure it stays that way. Forgive me, my lady, but I must go. I'm looking for my wife. I don't suppose she came to see you this morning?'
'I've not seen her since you arrived and would dearly like to. However, my maid mentioned she saw her walking in the garden earlier today.'
'Did she say in which direction she was going? I fear she might have met with a mishap and be in need of my assistance.'
'Towards the folly, if I recall.'
He bowed a second time and promised to return and visit her with Madeline later in the day. He left the room as if he hadn't a care in the world but as soon as the door closed behind him he broke into a run. Something was wrong – his beloved must have met with an accident or would have returned by now.
The quickest way to the hideous marble monstrosity on the far side of the lake was by the path that bordered the woods. When it had been built the land around it had been cut away so the ruins appeared to be on a hill and the artificial moat could be filled from the lake by winding up a metal plate beneath the water.
He covered the distance at a run looking from side to side, searching for a clue. The building was correctly named – it was certainly a folly – his cousin had told him that it had been built at the express desire of his grandmother. It had been constructed to resemble a crumbling castle in miniature and had a tower, ramparts, and a selection of artistically ruined walls including a deep moat.
Why it had been done in pink marble he'd no idea – it looked ridiculous. He wasn't surprised Madeline had wanted to investigate more closely. He began to call her name as he got closer, but there was no response.
He skidded to a halt in front of the folly. He shouted again hoping she would respond this time. A faint call from inside made him forget his caution and he rushed in not waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. There was a sound behind him and then a searing pain at the back of his head and his world went black.
*
Madeline had given up her attempts to climb out of the slippery pit she'd been tossed into. The marble walls had no crevasses or edges upon which she could gain a fingerhold. She still couldn't quite believe that Lady Carshalton was behind the assassination attempts. The old woman was obviously insane.
She'd no idea how long she'd been down here and little light filtered in from the window slits high above her in the make-believe tower. Then she heard Grey calling her name. He'd come to find her as she knew he would.
'I'm here. Inside, in the pit.' She was about to yell again when there was a slight scuffle. Before she could react her husband plunged into the pit landing in a heap beside her.
He was horribly still. Had he broken his neck in the fall? It was no more than three yards to the top – surely he couldn't have received a fatal injury dropping from so small a distance?
'Grey, can you hear me? Have you broken anything?' Even as she spoke she thought how silly her questions were but could think of nothing else to say. She wriggled until she could get onto her knees and thus examine him more carefully.
The pit they were trapped in had several inches of water in the bottom and already she was soaked to the waist and her extremities were numb. She ran her fingers over his face and was relieved to find it warm. He was alive – thank the good Lord for that.
He mustn't remain slumped in the water. She must somehow get him upright and pray he had no serious injuries that would be made worse by her moving him. It was difficult to push him so his back was against the wall, but somehow she managed.
After a few moments he groaned
and his eyes flickered open but they were unfocused and he didn't respond to her questions. As soon as he was recovered he would have a plan to get them out. They would be missed and his men would probably be searching for them at this very moment. All she had to do was remain calm.
Slowly her heart stopped thumping as if it wished to escape from her bodice. Although wet, cold and uncomfortable they were in no immediate danger. Grey stirred and she gently shook his shoulder. This time his eyes stayed open and his senses returned.
She was about to explain that his grandmother was behind the murderous attempts when a hideous screeching noise filled their prison. What was it?
He understood immediately. 'God dammit! The bastards have opened the sluice gate. This space will fill with water. Can you swim?'
'I can't – I've never liked being immersed in water.'
'Don't worry – I'll keep you safe.' He pushed himself to his feet and hooked his boots off. 'You need to remove your skirts – they will weigh you down disastrously.'
By the time he'd finished speaking the water had flooded up to their knees. Her hands were so cold her fingers refused to answer her command. He pushed them aside and tore her skirts from the waistband leaving her in her bodice and petticoat.
The water was now up to their waists.
He discarded his topcoat and then turned her around so her back was to him. 'Lean against me, sweetheart; whatever you do don't struggle. I'll keep us afloat until we reach the top of this shaft and can get out.'
As the water reached their shoulders he kicked against the floor and they were floating. She tried to remain relaxed in his embrace but being surrounded by icy water and now out of her depth was too much for her. She tried to turn and clutch onto his neck and took them both down.
The water closed over her head and she opened her mouth to scream and swallowed a choking mouthful. She was going to die and her struggles increased as her desperation grew.
*
The second time she sent them beneath the rising water Grey knew he had to do something drastic or they would both perish. When his head emerged he dragged in a life-giving draught of air. Then he wrenched her arms from his neck, held her up by her bodice and punched her hard on the temple. She went limp in his arms.
A few seconds later the moat was full and he was swimming strongly to the edge. He put his hand under her bottom and heaved her to safety. He clung on until he'd regained his breath and then joined her.
Whoever had tried to drown them would be disappointed – but not for long – as he intended to find them and put an end to their miserable existence as soon as he'd taken his beloved back to Blakely Hall.
He checked and found a strong pulse. His blow hadn't done her serious harm – thank God! He staggered to his feet with her in his arms and then half-slid, half-walked down the grassy slope.
He swore loudly and violently. The moat was full and it would be impossible to negotiate it with her in his arms. They were trapped over here. He put her down carefully in the shelter of the half-ruined outer wall. If he removed his shirt and scrambled back to the top of the mound where the tower was built he could wave it above his head and attract attention.
He was about to do this when he froze. Whoever had hit him and pushed him into the pit was still in the vicinity. They had only just filled the moat. At the moment they must think he and Madeline had drowned – if he appeared they would know they had failed and come across to finish the job.
They would be helpless against armed men. He couldn't risk alerting them. He would return to her side as silently as he could. If they weren't found before nightfall the elements would finish the job the water had failed to do.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Beau and his entourage were making excellent progress and were more than halfway to their destination. When they thundered into the posting inn he came to a decision.
‘Perry, we'll change horses here. I want to get to Blakely Hall before dark. Tell your brother when he arrives.'
Aubrey had dropped behind as his mount was blowing badly. Beau shouted for attention and immediately they were surrounded by ostlers.
'Do you have nags for us? I'll return for these in a few days.' He tossed the reins across and strode into the inn. Soon he was mounted on a massive gelding well up to his weight. An ugly beast, but strong enough to take him the next twenty miles when he would have to change horses again.
After this second halt he was within a few miles of his destination. A village clock struck four. He gathered his men around him and explained his plan.
'Lady Madeline and Lord Carshalton are unaware they are in deadly peril and are surrounded by potential enemies. All the men employed there could be dangerous. We can't give them warning of our arrival. We must approach cautiously.'
'Do we know the exact location of Blakely Hall?' Perry asked.
'I do. I got directions from the landlord here. We can approach along a little-used cart track – leave the horses and then complete the journey on foot.'
'And what do we do we get there? We can hardly shoot everyone we meet,' Aubrey said with a wry smile.
'I think we must reconnoitre and make our decision once we know how the land lies. My priority is to see that my sister and her husband are safe. Apprehending the villains can come after that.'
Aubrey walked amongst the men checking their weapons were primed and ready to fire. His brother was becoming a man to be reckoned with – his twin seemed to be less mature and still had a deal of growing up to do.
He looked around his band of hopeful soldiers. At first glance it would be hard to tell who was duke and who was the servant. They were all mounted on similar nags and whereas he had dressed in his oldest and most disreputable garments, his men had put on their best. This meant their appearance was similar. Only when he and his brothers spoke did it become obvious they were in charge.
Blakely Hall soon became visible in the distance and he gestured that they stop and dismount. Fortunately there was a well-fenced meadow by the side of the track which was ideal to keep the horses safe in their absence.
'I think it might be advisable to send one of the men ahead to investigate – they are less likely to be noticed than one of us.' Beau selected a suitable candidate. Then they made their way forward making sure they kept out of sight.
Suddenly three armed men stepped out in front of them. 'Hold it right there. Stick your paws in the air. Don't any of you bastards make a move towards your weapons.'
No point in arguing. Beau raised his hands as did the others. There was something familiar about these three. Then the man who issued the order lowered his gun.
'Beggin' your pardon, your grace, I never recognised you first off.' He touched his cap. 'Smith, I works for his lordship. This here is Jenkins and that's Slater.'
Beau explained why they'd come and the information he received in return filled him with foreboding.
'We ain't seen Lord Carshalton nor her ladyship since this morning. Mr Carshalton and Mr Frederick are frantic – I don't reckon either of them's involved,' Smith said.
'Then that means it has to be Lady Carshalton who has orchestrated these attempts. I can scarcely believe it.' Beau turned to his brothers. 'We'll confront the harpy in her rooms – she'll tell us what we need to know. I just pray we're not too late.'
He led the charge through the vast establishment to the suite of rooms the murderer occupied. He kicked the door open and charged in his pistol primed and loaded. His brothers were close behind him – Carshalton's men followed.
There was a flash, a hideous noise and the room was full of cordite. Thank God the bullet had missed its mark. There were two men confronting them and both had a second pistol raised. He fired without hesitation and one of them collapsed a red stain on his jacket front indicating he'd been hit.
Aubrey took care of the second villain and it was over.
'The Carshalton woman must be cowering in her bedchamber. How many other men does she have at her disposal?
' Beau directed this question to Smith.
'Six, your grace. I reckon there's another two bastards to deal with. Leave it to me and my men – no point in you toffs getting shot.'
Beau stepped to one side, as did his brothers, and the three armed men approached the closed door like the professionals they obviously were. 'What's happened to the rest of our men?'
Aubrey pointed to the window. 'They've gone round to the terrace – they should be there by now. One of the grooms is taking them. The darkness will be to their advantage.'
Before he could reply someone shouted from outside and then there were further shots. Smith and his cohorts hurtled through the door and Beau was close behind. He'd expected to see the dowager cowering in a corner now she was unmasked.
Instead he was greeted by a torrent of vile words. 'You can do nothing to save your sister or her miserable husband. They will be dead by now. My son will have the title and my work will be done. I care not what happens to me now I've achieved my goal.'
In two strides he was beside her and barely restrained himself from striking her. Instead he held out his hand and Aubrey placed a loaded gun into it. He pressed it against her temple 'Where are they? I shall not hesitate to fire.'
Her breath rasped in her throat. He pressed harder and she flinched. 'They are in the folly. They will be drowned by now.'
'Have her locked in here. She is to receive no visitors. Lord Carshalton must decide her fate. She deserves to rot in prison for the remainder of her life.'
Perry grabbed his arm. 'I can see lights flickering out there. Someone is on their way to rescue Madeline and Grey.'
Beau swallowed a lump in his throat and stepped away from the vile creature gibbering to herself in the chair. 'I pray to God that they're not too late – that this day will not end in tragedy.'
*
'Madeline, sweetheart, can you hear me? You need to wake up now.' Grey was cradling his wife in his arms trying to transfer some of his own body heat to her. If she didn't wake up soon he feared she'd become too cold and never recover her senses.
The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband Page 21