“I was,” Philip replied. “I am now her protector. However, that is irrelevant. I must speak to you; it is of the greatest importance.” He glanced around. “Might we go inside?”
Lord Mullens raised a hand as if to keep Philip from entering. “I am sorry, but I have engagements this evening to which I must attend.”
Philip made a step toward him. “Then I suggest you cancel, for I am here on behalf of the Duchess herself, and it is imperative you assist me.”
It took several moments for the man to study Philip before sighing and moving aside. “Very well. Come. We shall go to my office.”
He followed the man inside and down a hall to a large room with little furnishings and bare walls. The only item of décor was a large globe on an iron stand and a bookshelf filled with what appeared to be books about various types of trade. Lord Mullens clearly had no interest in storytelling, which could be beneficial to Philip.
“Now, what is it that you need of me?” Lord Mullens asked as he handed Philip a glass of brandy.
“I would ask to look at some of your business ledgers.” When the man went to argue, Philip added, “Trust me, it will be worth your time. Her Grace has left me with clear instructions, including several questions to which she would like the truth. Then you must take a journey with me, so I would recommend you see that your plans for the next few days are canceled.” He held his breath as he waited the man’s reply. If the Baron refused and then asked Caroline to verify what Philip had said, all would be lost.
Lord Mullens gave him a shocked look. “I am afraid I do not understand. The Duchess wishes that I cancel my engagements? And we are to travel together? To where, if I might ask.”
Philip rose and stepped up to stand directly before Lord Mullens. “To the house of Ravencroft.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
The dress that had been chosen for Caroline to wear was ivory with yellow ribbons woven around the sleeves and neckline as well as a yellow sash around her waist. A bath had been drawn, the water scented with lavender so even her hair smelled of it. After toweling her hair dry, Margaret had brushed it until it shone and then painstakingly curled it using the curling iron, which was heated on top of a small metal bowl filled with hot coals. The preparation took hours, but Caroline wished to extend the time for eternity, for she could not stop the churning in her stomach.
By all accounts, she should have been happy, for in marrying Neil, her son would remain with her, and he would have a man to guide him where she would otherwise be unable. Yet, something still prickled the back of her mind, something that said that this was all a farce. The problem was, to whom could she go to learn the truth? She had attempted to send a letter to Mr. Baxter, but it had gone unanswered. Perhaps he thought her a fool, the way most men saw women, and did not find the time needed to explain the ways of the law worthy of his time.
She walked to the window of Neil’s office. He had insisted that they hold the wedding at his house, stating that to have her wed at Blackwood Estates would be in poor taste since that had been the home she and Reginald had shared together. The idea that she and Reginald had shared anything made her want to laugh, but then she thought of Oliver. He had been the only good thing to come out of her marriage to the former Duke of Browning.
A raven landed upon the windowsill, and she gave a weak smile. It fluttered its wings and flew off, perhaps a sign that things were better than she thought. Then she sighed. She had trusted in such nonsense before, but now she knew no omens existed, for what had the ravens ever done for her?
No, she should not give up on what she believed, for if she did so, she would be left with nothing but the reality of the world around her, which was not as exciting or wonderful as the stories she had heard. Knowing the reason the Duke of Ravens had not come to her rescue was because Philip had not delivered the letter made her feel a bit better, restoring some of her faith in the tale that had kept her sane for so long.
Yet, she could not shake the feeling that something was amiss; although, she had nothing on which to place such suspicions beyond her own worries.
Sighing, she turned and looked at the bookcase full of ledgers. Philip had been caught by Miss Mullens searching through those books, a fact he had denied when she questioned him. But why? What did they contain that was so important that he would risk Neil finding out?
That something continued to tug at her. The answer to her problems was right in front of her, she could feel it, but it eluded her somehow. Thinking of Philip only brought about sadness to her heart, but it did nothing to ease the pain she felt. In fact, it only increased it that much more.
She hoped his fever had dissipated and that his wound was healing. Perhaps he would come to her and explain what had happened. With a smile, she remembered their time at the beach and the kiss they had shared. Her cheeks burned; it was she who had initiated that kiss, and he had kindly pushed her away, telling her he was not yet ready.
A frown came to her face. They had spoken of being together, and although she had been the one to bring up such conversations, he had not denied it could happen. If they were to marry one day, which she had thought they would, then why would he wish to take Oliver for such a small sum in comparison to what he would gain if he married her?
None of it was comprehensible. He had seen all of her ledgers, had studied them, so he was aware of the wealth of which she controlled. What if she had been wrong all along? Perhaps…
The door opened and the fleeting thought disappeared before it could solidify in her consciousness.
“Caroline,” Neil said with a wide grin as he entered the room, “the Vicar has arrived.” He stopped and looked her up and down. “You look absolutely gorgeous, my dear.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. It was difficult not to cringe as he did so.
What a strange reaction, she thought. I am to once again marry a man whose kiss makes me cringe? Yet, this man was not Reginald. So much of what was happening to her left her head aching and her mind unsettled. Yet, her comfort did not matter; Oliver was all that was important now.
“Thank you,” she replied. Then she glanced at the bookcase beside the desk and furrowed her brow. “Neil, why was Philip so interested in your ledgers?”
His smile turned into a frown. “Why does that matter now? We are to be married. What that man had been up to before has nothing to do with us now.”
“I am simply interested to know,” she said. “I find it hard to believe that he knew how I felt for him at that time. And then there is another question I have. He could have had access to my wealth, and yet he takes my son? Why would he do that?”
Neil sighed, taking her hands in his. “I do not know,” he replied. “I have sent to have him captured, so maybe you can ask him yourself. Though I doubt he will tell you the truth now any more than he did before. Now, Mr. Thompson is here to witness the ceremony. Shall I tell him you are still interested in the man who initiated the kidnapping of your son? What do you believe he will think when he learns that you still have feelings for the man?
“No,” Caroline said. “I am sorry. I did not mean anything by it.” She forced a smile. “Where is Oliver?”
“Miss Lindston is watching over him and will do so for the next few weeks.” He pulled her closer to him, his eyes clouded with something she could not identify.
“What do you mean? He is not here for the wedding? I thought…”
“It was meant as a surprise, but I have no reason to keep it from you now. I have arranged a honeymoon for us.” He smiled as if he had bestowed the greatest of gifts on her.
She was not as ecstatic as he seemed to be. She pulled away and stared at him aghast. “Honeymoon? But I thought this marriage was meant to be a farce, a way to save Oliver, not one that is genuine.”
He chuckled. “My sweet Caroline,” he said. “Surely you understand what marriage means. Must we live separated as you and Reginald did, existing in misery?”
“No, it is not that…”
&n
bsp; Neil placed his fingers on her chin. “Then we shall have a happy marriage together, bringing up Oliver and his siblings in a home where they are loved.”
That unknown emotion in his eyes grew as he spoke, and Caroline stifled a shiver at the thought of how those other siblings would come about. Her heart screamed no, but she nodded instead in agreement. And passing by the ledgers, she gave them one final glance, wondering what secrets they held.
***
The pathway that led from the back of the house was flanked by well-tended grass before it passed between a set of sculptured hedges until it reached a small covered shelter. Fear coursed through Caroline as she walked beside Neil toward where a man dressed in black clerical clothing stood. Mr. Thompson waited to the side, a solemn look on his face. Thoughts ran through her mind as she remembered the cold man beside her who only months ago had wanted her in his bed in order to gain the wealth that was meant for her son.
It was those thoughts that had her once again doubting his intentions. Indeed, he had made changes in his life. Everyone deserved a second chance. However, she knew in her heart she did not wish to marry this man, and his words about having more children frightened her. However, one glance at Mr. Thompson told her she had no choice.
That man did not look her way, and an odd feeling of suspicion came over her. The man wore a smug smile, only making her suspicions grow.
“Neil, might I have a moment?” she asked, hoping being in the presence of the Vicar would pressure him into agreeing.
“But only a moment, my love,” he said with what she recognized was an imitation of a smile.
She gave him a quick nod and walked over to Mr. Thompson. “I would ask you something, if I may?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” he replied, though he pulled at the cravat at his neck as he answered.
“How long have you been in the employ of the magistrates?”
The man swallowed, his eyes shifting. “Ten years now,” he said.
“Caroline,” Neil said as he came to stand beside her, “is this necessary? We have a ceremony that must be completed. I am sure the Vicar has other business to which he must attend.”
He gripped her arm, but she pulled away and rounded on him. What she saw in his eyes was clear. Greed. It had been concealed before, but now it shone as bright as the sun above them. Oh, what a fool she had been!
“We are not going to be wed,” she said with a jut to her chin.
Neil leaned in, his face inches from hers. “Listen to me,” he hissed, his eyes narrowing as he grabbed her arm once again, the grip so tight she cried out in pain. “You will wed me now. You do not deserve my brother’s wealth. I do!” He pulled her before the Vicar. “Let us get this over with.”
The Vicar gave him a dubious look. “My Lord, the Lady does not wish…”
“Do it now,” Neil growled, “or I will have you removed from your position and cast out into the streets, along with her! And do not believe I cannot make it happen.”
The Vicar nodded and began the words Caroline had heard before. She tried to pull away again, but the hold Neil had on her arm was much too tight. Tears ran down her face as the clergyman spoke the incantation that would see her married to yet another man she despised, and feared. And what would happen to Oliver once the ceremony was concluded? For he was the rightful heir to the Duke of Browning Title and Estate. She trembled. If Neil wanted it, he would see that an ‘accident’ took Oliver from her, she had no doubt.
As the ceremony continued, Neil shifted beside her. “Get on with it!” he shouted.
Then all went quiet as the sky above them darkened. Looking to the sky, Caroline’s eyes went wide; hundreds of ravens flew above them, their cries deafening, their numbers such that they blocked the rays of the sun, creating a shadow on those in attendance.
With hot tears running down her cheeks, Caroline remembered the story her mother had told her years before while brushing her hair.
“And the Ravens knew of the Duke’s love for her, and so they guided him to where she was being held, leading the way and giving him strength so that neither would suffer ever again.”
Neil glanced about, his face etched with fear. Then his eyes widened as he looked down the path. “Who is that?” he hissed.
Startled, Caroline pulled her arm from Neil’s grasp and turned to where he indicated, shocked to see five men making their way down the path. One man walked with long strides before the rest, his dark hair flowing behind him. The birds above filled the nearby trees, their song bringing joy to her heart. For the first time, she understood the truth.
“It is the Duke of Ravens,” she said.
Chapter Twenty-four
“What is the meaning of this!” Neil shouted as he grabbed Caroline by the arm and pulled her toward him. The words were filled with panic despite the mockery he made of his supposed position. Then his eyes widened. “You!” he said pointing at the man who stood in front. “No gardener will interrupt my wedding! How dare you!”
With some effort, Caroline withdrew her arm from his grasp and moved away from him.
“What? Do you not recognize me, Lord Hayward?” Philip asked with a cold smile.
“Of course I do, you imbecile,” Neil sputtered. “You are that wretched gardener who kidnapped Oliver.”
Philip pulled his head back and laughed. “You truly do not recognize me.” He shook his head. “Interesting.” As he circled the man, Neil turned, an animal trapped by that which had hunted it.
“You have no idea with whom you are dealing, gardener,” Neil hissed, though his back was arched like a cat ready to attack. “This is madness, I will inform….” He then glanced at the other men who had accompanied Philip.
“Inform the watch?” Philip asked with an evil chuckle. “No need; they are here.”
Two of the men stepped forward and each took hold of Neil’s arms. “Unhand me, you fools!” he shouted, attempting to pull away without success. He stopped his struggles and glared at Philip. “Who are you?”
With a sniff, Philip replied, “How is it that you do not recognize Philip Ravencroft, Duke of Greenwich? Surely you know the man whose wife and child you stole?” He towered over Neil, who shied away in fear. “Your days of kidnapping and murder are now over.” Then he turned to Caroline. “Are you all right?”
Caroline looked up at the man she loved with all of her heart and replied, “I am.” Then, movement in the corner of her eye made her turn her head. “That man,” she said, pointing to Mr. Thompson who had inched his way toward the path leading back to the house. “He says he is a representative of the magistrates.”
Mr. Thompson gave a small cry and turned to run only to be held by another man Caroline just now recognized.
“It was him!” Mr. Thompson shouted, pointing at Neil. “He paid me to say it! I didn’t have nothing to do with any of it. He did it all, the kidnappings, the murders. He’s been at it for years!”
“Quiet, you fool!” Neil said.
Lord Mullens tightened his grip on the man’s arm, bringing about a string of words that would have made a sailor blush. The Baron drew back his fist and struck Mr. Thompson in the jaw, which silenced the man immediately.
“Take his other arm, Grant,” Lord Mullens asked of the fifth man, a man Caroline did not know, and Mr. Thompson sagged between the two men.
Philip walked over to Caroline. “Now, what did that man tell you?”
“He said he would take Oliver away. He claimed I am unfit as a mother and that if I did not marry, I would lose my son forever.” Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought.
Lord Mullens walked up and bowed to Caroline, having left an unconscious Mr. Thompson in care of Mr. Grant. “Your Grace, rest assured that all of my business ledgers, as well as my testimony, will see that Lord Hayward is unable to bother you again.”
Neil struggled against the arms that held him, but to no avail. “I will see you dead, Mullens,” he hissed.
The Baron snorted. “Perhap
s the threatening of a Baron can be added to his charges?” he asked the true magistrates.
Both men nodded, and one replied, “You can count on our testimony of his threat to kill you, My Lord.” The smile the man turned on Neil was not friendly.
Caroline shivered, and the second magistrate turned to her. “There is no need for you to worry any further. He will not escape, I assure you. I have brought with me several armed guards.” He glared down at Neil and added, “If he tries to escape, the guards have been commanded to kill him.”
This caused Neil to stop fighting, and he paled as he lowered his head in defeat.
“Well, as exciting as all this has been,” Lord Mullens said with a smile that would have been better suited for a ball, “I must be on my way. Rest assured that I will speak to both of you,” he directed his attention to Caroline and Philip, “in the coming weeks. Oh, and before I forget. Your Grace, may I introduce His Grace, Philip Ravencroft, Duke of Greenwich.” Then he turned, motioned to the Vicar, who had stared in aghast during the entire event, and they joined the remainder of the group at the entrance to the area, leaving Caroline and Philip alone.
“Oh, Philip!” Caroline cried as she threw herself into his arms. “You are alive—and here!” She pulled back when he winced. “I am sorry. Does it still pain you?”
He reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I will heal soon enough,” he replied. “And yes, I am here, my love, where I belong.”
“You are the Duke of Ravens,” she said in awe. “I do not understand, and yet, somehow, I believe I do.” She laughed. “That makes no sense whatsoever, yet none of this does.”
Philip chuckled. “There is so much I must explain, and I promise I will.”
“Oh, yes, you had better explain,” she said in a rebuking tone, although she hoped the smile would smooth some of the edge in her voice.
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