Saving Grace (Victorian Vigilantes Book 1)

by Wendy Soliman

  ‘And now he will tell Woodstock that Eva’s under the protection of two gentlemen,’ Isaac said.

  ‘I doubt that,’ Jake replied. ‘That would require him to admit he had set Rose up for himself and managed to allow Lady Eva to slip through his fingers.’

  ‘How did you get past Stoneleigh if he cornered you in that room?’ Olivia asked.

  Lady Eva grinned. ‘I thought if you could deal with three of them, I ought to be able to tackle just one. He was being very violent with Rose and I couldn’t allow that, so I…well, let’s just say that I deployed my hat pin advantageously.’

  Isaac threw his head back and roared with laughter.

  ‘I am pleased to see you find it so amusing,’ Jake said drolly.

  ‘You must admit, Jake,’ Olivia said, ‘that Lady Eva managed to get the information you required far more easily that you would have.’

  ‘Then it’s fortunate we were there to rescue them both,’ he replied, scowling.

  ‘Ah, yes.’ Lady Eva finally dropped her eyes. ‘I must thank you for that but…er, about Rose. I promised her she would be safe from Stoneleigh, that we would find a position for her where she could keep her baby. I think she would have given me the information I needed even if I hadn’t made that promise. I made it anyway because I feel responsible for her. I expect my brother will—’

  Lord Torbay nodded. ‘She will remain here until this business is over with, then we will see what can be done for her. I will arrange for her to be quartered with the other servants, but she isn’t to leave the premises or communicate with anyone outside of them under any circumstances.’

  Chapter Fourteen

  ‘My goodness, Lady Eva.’ Rose smiled, showing remarkable resilience and looking a great deal better than she had a few hours previously. ‘These servants’ quarters are fit for a queen. I never had a room all to myself before.’

  Rose had told Lord Torbay everything she knew about the secret workings of William’s desk. Now she and Eva were alone and Rose was enthusing about the small attic room, clean and warm, that she had been given once her injuries had been attended to. Rose’s situation had taken a decided turn for the better and well she knew it.

  ‘Just remember where you are, Rose, and don’t speak out of turn. Lord Torbay can be very generous to his servants but he will not thank you if you cause any disruptions in his household.’

  ‘Don’t worry, m’lady, I’ve learned my lesson. I just want to have my baby and give it a better chance at life than I ever had.’

  Eva’s soft heart melted at the sincerity in the girl’s voice. ‘I understand. Once this business with my husband has been resolved, we will talk about your future.’

  ‘You was ever so brave, madam, attacking Stoneleigh like that.’ Rose chuckled. ‘I never would have thought you capable. He won’t be bothering no other women for a good while now. You put paid to all that.’

  Eva smiled. ‘We none of us know what we are capable of until we are pushed beyond our limits of endurance.’

  Satisfied that Rose was comfortable, Eva returned to her room to attend to her toilette. She hadn’t allowed much time to prepare herself before the dinner gong sounded but that hardly seemed important. She hummed to herself as Betsy dressed her hair, still buoyed by her success. Even though it might have ended very differently had Lord Torbay and Isaac not appeared when they did, at least Eva had found the courage to go to Whitechapel, a place she had hoped never to see again. She had made a spontaneous decision without reference to anyone else, and carried it through. It was a liberating feeling.

  Both gentlemen dined at home and Eva was grateful for Mrs Grantley’s presence. She kept the conversation flowing and teased Lord Torbay out of his curmudgeonly mood. Isaac sent Eva frequent glances across the table, his expression giving nothing away about the nature of his thoughts. He appeared to be less angry about her impetuous actions than Lord Torbay, but Eva knew better than most that appearances could be deceptive and suspected he was saving his scolding until they were in private. She glanced up from beneath her fringe of lowered lashes and their gazes collided. She noticed an unholy light burning through his cerulean eyes, as though he knew something about her that she herself didn’t yet realise.

  ‘I beg your pardon, Mrs Grantley, I didn’t hear what you said. I was wool-gathering there for a moment.’

  Mrs Grantley shared a glance between her and Isaac and flashed a knowing smile. ‘I crave your assistance with Jake here,’ she said. ‘He is being completely impossible, which shouldn’t come as any great surprise to those of us who know him well. However, this time he has gone too far. He insists I remain beneath his roof when there is not the slightest reason for me to stay. Really, he insults me by assuming I cannot take care of myself. I can assure you, Lady Eva, no blaggards will take me unawares a second time.’

  ‘Are you so very uncomfortable here?’ Lord Torbay asked in a languid tone.

  ‘Not in the least. It was your comfort I was considering. When you are alone, or only have Isaac for company, you needn’t trouble yourself to be agreeable.’ She sent him a saucy smile. ‘It must be a terrible strain, having to make conversation when you would much prefer to have your nose buried in a book.’

  ‘I dare say I shall survive the experience.’

  Eva enjoyed listening to Mrs Grantley badger her host. She supported her with the occasional comment, but the lady proved she was perfectly capable of fighting her own battles.

  Eva’s mind returned to the question of Isaac! She loved him with every fibre of her being, even if that love wasn’t reciprocated. Eva was a realist. As the wife of a traitor and criminal, the only future she could look forward to was one of notoriety that would make Mrs Grantley’s situation pale by comparison. Even so, that would be vastly superior to living beneath William’s hateful control. Eva was only just starting to realise that once the business with the diamond was exposed she would be free to live her life on her own terms, without deferring to any man. A respectable gentleman like Isaac Arnold could not afford to have his name linked to hers, she perfectly understood that. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy his society for as long as she remained in Grosvenor Square and take full advantage of every precious minute they managed to snatch alone together.

  Eva was absolutely determined that tonight, once he got the scolding out of the way, Isaac would make full and proper love to her. She was a different person to the petrified creature who had arrived at this house a few short days ago. She was starting to understand she was woman in her own right, with something to offer to the world, and she was no longer afraid to go after what she wanted.

  ‘You must excuse us, ladies,’ Lord Torbay said when the meal came to an end. ‘Isaac and I must go out for a short time. Have the goodness to remain here without putting my servants to the trouble of keeping track of you.’

  ‘Where are you going?’ Mrs Grantley asked.

  ‘You’re not going to Sloane Street, are you?’ Eva asked at the same time. They were desperate to get into William’s desk and now knew how to go about it, but surely they would leave that to Franklin?

  Isaac rested a hand on her shoulder. ‘No,’ he said softly. ‘We have to be elsewhere, but we won’t be gone for long.’

  It was his way, she knew, of telling her to expect him later on. Nothing had been said in that regard, but some things didn’t need to be put into words.

  ‘Well,’ Mrs Grantley said as they repaired to the small salon and took tea together. ‘If I had wanted to be alone and neglected I could have remained at home.’

  ‘They do seem to be a law unto themselves,’ Eva replied, grimacing. ‘Lord Torbay was very mean to me. All I wanted to do was help.’

  ‘He can be impossible. Impossible, arrogant, dictatorial—’

  ‘But you could tame him, if you put your mind to it.’

  ‘Me?’ Mrs Grantley’s trilling laugher filled the room. ‘You are quite mistaken.’

  ‘I beg to differ. I have seen
the way he looks at you when your attention is elsewhere. It’s not the look of a man who is indifferent.’

  ‘Lady Eva, you are—’

  ‘Call me Eva.’

  ‘Thank you, I shall. And I am Olivia.’ She smiled. ‘I am so glad we are no longer being formal since I’m persuaded we could be firm friends.’

  ‘I should like that.’

  ‘However, you are quite wrong about Jake. I am not in the market for an affair and Jake could never marry someone of my notoriety.’

  ‘Lord Torbay doesn’t give your background a second thought.’

  ‘Perhaps not, but I am convinced his admiration for me doesn’t extend beyond my ability to be useful to him. There are certain aspects of his work that require a woman’s touch.’ Olivia smiled. ‘However, as to you and Isaac.’

  ‘The obstacles you refer to apply equally in my case. Even if I could somehow rid myself of William—’

  ‘Which you will if Jake succeeds, and he always does.’

  ‘Yes, but William may hang and I should then be in a similar position to you.’

  ‘Well, we shall just have to see about that.’ Olivia yawned and stretched her arms above her head. ‘But now, you really must excuse me. I am exhausted. I shall check upon Tom and then retire. Goodnight, Eva.’

  ‘Goodnight, Olivia.’

  Eva decided she might as well go up herself and wait for Isaac. She had no idea how long it would be before he returned, but she was absolutely convinced that he would come to her once he did. She dismissed Betsy as soon as she decently could and sat beside the fire with a book she couldn’t concentrate upon propped open in her lap.

  ***

  Isaac and Jake met with Franklin a short distance away from Sloane Street, conveying the information they had obtained from Rose.

  ‘Hmm.’ Franklin took a moment to consider it. ‘It won’t be easy to get in there. Woodstock’s been in a permanent temper since Lady Eva disappeared.’

  ‘How did he take the newspaper article?’ Isaac asked.

  Franklin chuckled. ‘You could hear him raving all over the house. It was pretty damned effective in distracting him. He has taken some of the men from the warehouse to join in the search for his wife.’

  Isaac thought how close she had been to capture just that afternoon and his heart lurched.

  ‘Good,’ Jake replied. ‘That was what we were hoping he would do.’

  ‘Problem is,’ Franklin said. ‘Since things started going awry for him, he has become even more obsessive about his privacy. When he’s not at home, he sets someone to patrol the corridor outside his study.’

  ‘He doesn’t trust his own indoor staff?’ Jake flexed a brow. ‘That must make for an uncomfortable atmosphere.’

  ‘If he notices, it doesn’t bother him. Besides, he enjoys people being awed by him.’ Franklin sniffed. ‘Makes him feel important.’

  ‘I don’t doubt it,’ Jake replied. ‘Inadequate men find it necessary to lay down the law at every opportunity.’

  ‘Doesn’t he ever assign you to guard duties?’ Isaac asked.

  ‘He hasn’t as yet, and somehow I don’t think he will.’ Franklin rubbed his bearded chin. ‘He only trusts his long-standing inner circle, such Stoneleigh and a couple of others, with things like that.’

  ‘Damn!’ It was Jake’s turn to fall into a thoughtful silence. ‘Has he found a replacement for Rose?’

  Franklin rolled his eyes. ‘Course he has. He didn’t wait five minutes to take advantage of a young girl who works in the kitchens. Well, she did. She’s already been promoted to house maid, but don’t think of using her. She’s still got stars in her eyes. Thinks Woodstock loves her and will elevate her to Lady Eva’s vacant position.’

  ‘Ah, the optimism of youth,’ Isaac said, a cynical twist to his lips.

  ‘Still, Woodstock always goes to the warehouse in the mornings to attend to his legal trade. Stoneleigh or Barker will go with him, probably Stoneleigh because Barker’s now in charge of the search for Lady Eva. Things are always more lax when those three are out of the house so I might get a chance tomorrow morning.’

  ‘Excellent!’ Jake clapped his shoulder. ‘I think we can help put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons, too.’

  Franklin grinned. ‘What are you planning, m’lord?’

  ‘To divide and conquer,’ Jake said after a brief pause. ‘We already know Woodstock’s annoyed with Stoneleigh for attacking Mrs Grantley. Supposing he found out that his right-hand man not only set Rose up as his mistress but also had Lady Eva within his grasp and let her escape?’

  Franklin nodded his approval. ‘That would certainly stir the muck, and I assume you want me to drop the word. But how am I supposed to know about Stoneleigh’s activities without casting suspicion my way?’

  ‘No, I don’t want you to do anything. I’ll have someone whisper a few words to one of Woodstock’s inner circle. I assume there’s competition between Barker and Stoneleigh for the top spot in his organization.’

  Franklin’s smile was broad and infectious. ‘Barker is Stoneleigh’s main rival and the two of them can’t stand the sight of one another. Woodstock knows that and enjoys seeing them fighting for his favour. Anyway, one of them is usually in the house, even when Woodstock isn’t. Barker likes to drink in a tavern in Sloane Square and he’s in there most nights when he finishes work.’

  ‘Right then, I shall ensure Barker hears of this latest development right away.’

  ‘Why not have Rose go back and tattle on Stoneleigh?’ Isaac suggested. ‘I’m pretty sure she’d prefer to hitch her star to your wagon, so we can trust her not to change sides. Besides, she wants revenge on Stoneleigh.’

  ‘We can’t ask a pregnant woman to do our work for us. Besides, she has no proof, unless she admits why Lady Eva went to see her.’

  ‘Ah yes, I suppose there is that.’

  ‘I have to get back before I’m missed,’ Franklin said.

  ‘Send word if anything develops,’ Jake replied.

  ‘You know I will.’

  Franklin doffed his cap and disappeared into the night. Jake and Isaac returned to their carriage, still mulling over the problem of the desk.

  ‘I am beginning to think stealth is overrated,’ Jake said as they made the short journey home. ‘We need a contingency plan in the event that Franklin doesn’t gain access to the desk. Perhaps we should just raid that house when we know Woodstock isn’t at home, rescue Lady Eva’s daughter and get the information we need that way.’

  ‘I like the idea of reuniting Eva with her daughter.’

  Jake chuckled. ‘How surprising.’

  ‘But, Jake, we don’t actually know for sure Woodstock has anything written down that will lead us to the inside man. We are just assuming he has because that’s how everyone says he operates. And even if he does, unless we intercept the crime while it’s being committed, the man could probably wriggle out of it somehow. He strikes me as the sort who’s careful enough to have contingencies arranged for precisely that purpose.’

  Jake pondered Isaac’s observations. ‘You think we would be showing our hand for no good purpose?’

  ‘Precisely, and even if we find the information we need, the raid would alert a lot of the blaggards involved and give them the opportunity to escape.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right.’ Jake sighed. ‘This is a damned sight more complicated than I had supposed. Still, we have a few days left before we absolutely need to act. If we can set Woodstock against Stoneleigh, on top of his problems with the newspaper article and Lady Eva’s continued absence, something might develop.’

  ‘That’s the spirit.’ Isaac grinned into the darkness. ‘Ah, here we are, home again.’

  Jake shot Isaac a knowing look. ‘Can’t imagine why you’re so keen to be here.’

  ‘What do you plan to do about Olivia?’

  ‘Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘Don’t pretend not to understand me, Jake. The two of you have been dancing around one a
nother for over a year now. Eva noticed at once, pointing out what ought to have been obvious to me. Now she’s put the idea into my head, I’m surprised I didn’t realise it for myself. I have never seen you half so enamoured of any woman, try as you might to disguise the fact.’ Isaac grinned. ‘And now you have her under your roof. Too good an opportunity to resist, wouldn’t you say?’

  ‘You are quite mistaken,’ Jake said coolly.

  Isaac choked on a laugh. ‘What are you afraid of, and don’t tell me it’s Olivia’s reputation? That sort of thing is likely to attract you, not the opposite. I know how you like to thumb your nose at convention.’

  ‘Olivia has made it very evident she has no personal interest in me.’

  This time Isaac’s laugh was wholehearted. ‘For an intelligent man, you can sometimes be deucedly dense. Just because Olivia doesn’t hang on your every word the way most of the women you meet do, it doesn’t mean a thing. She is clever enough not to make herself too obvious, that’s all. Or,’ Isaac added thoughtfully, ‘perhaps she thinks she would sully the Torbay name by encouraging your advances.’

  ‘The devil she does!’

  Isaac slapped his friend’s shoulder. ‘Think about it, Lord Torbay. You have to marry at some time or other and I can think of few women better qualified to stand up to you than Olivia.’

  Chapter Fifteen

  ‘Send Pearson to me, Parker, and then I shall have no further need of you this evening.’

  ‘Very good, my lord.’

  Parker left to carry out his instructions and Jake turned his attention to Isaac, an ironic twist to his lips. ‘Do you not have a prior engagement?’

  Isaac knotted his brow. ‘I am being dismissed?’

  ‘You are perfectly welcome to stay while I give Pearson his instructions and send him off to the Sloane Square tavern.’

  ‘Thank you, but since that’s a task that doesn’t require two of us, I will excuse myself.’