by Jane Charles
It was the same as he’d been told, but it must be difficult for Miss Morris to have been separated from her family at such a young age and be forced to only visit with her father and brothers in the most clandestine of manners.
He knew she was to be of assistances with the introductions but was unsure if she’d have more involvement. “Once you’ve made the introductions, your part will be complete?” Gabe hated to leave any part of a mission to chance. He already knew the Severens. As for Mr. & Mrs. Kazakov, they were just allowing him use of the cave, and he didn’t anticipate any interference from them. Miss Morris, however, had the potential to be more involved than he anticipated. Lord Hopkins certainly trusted her, and she kept her family secrets, but he needed to make sure she understood that her part was limited to introductions. Any further involvement would be too dangerous for her, and anyone else. She was a school teacher, not an agent.
“I’ll deliver messages as necessary and keep three young students from ruining everything.”
He’d not counted on her playing messenger but could see where she’d be the perfect person. He was well aware that it had been Severen who had gotten her out of France as a child, so she already knew of his profession. And as Mrs. Kazakov was her dear friend, it would not be odd if Miss Morris called on her friends, whereas a new neighbor who suddenly took great interest in the other couples could raise suspicion.
He had also been warned of the three troublesome girls, one being Lord Hopkins daughter, but they were not a concern to Gabe. How much trouble could three young ladies, barely sixteen, cause?
She’d read that Mr. Gabriel Westbrook was wickedly handsome, but Claudia had not been prepared for how accurate the rumor was. However, she was fully aware of his reputation, most of which was fabricated. Of course, until she’d spoken with Lord Hopkins, she had believed many of the rumors to be true, and she had tried to shelter his younger sisters whenever possible. Now, however, she knew his reputation was a guise to protect him and his fellow Devils of Dalston so that they could do their part for the Home Office.
Despite everything she’d learned, there was certainly a cloak of wickedness about him. Blond with piercing green eyes, a strong jaw and aquiline nose. His suitcoat hugged his broad shoulders, as the knee breeches did his thighs, and Claudia could honestly say that this was the first time in her life she’d actually become warm in the mere presence of a man. Though, she couldn’t be certain he was the cause. Could another person make someone else warm when sitting so far apart? If he was next to her, possibly, but not with a table and tea service separating them.
Perhaps she was becoming ill, which would never do. She had one task to fulfill and now was not the time to fall ill.
“Is it difficult, not being able to see your family?”
The question surprised her. Of course, nobody else knew, besides Lord Hopkins and Mrs. Wiggons, what her father and brothers did. “Yes, but it is necessary and for England.”
“Yet, you are French yourself.”
Was he questioning her loyalties? “The French also killed my mother,” she replied. “Though the revolution is over, I do believe Napoleon is far more dangerous to my home country than anything that occurred prior to his rise.”
Mr. Westbrook nodded as if he agreed with her or was pleased with her answer. “I’ve been told how you found your way to England. It must have been a difficult time.”
Difficult? It was a nightmare. A nightmare that haunted her to this day and why she would do everything in her power to defeat Napoleon in hopes that one day her France could once again be the great country she loved. “Yes. It was.” Claudia cleared her throat, pushing the memories of her youth into the far recesses of her mind.
“I intend to be a constant visitor to the school to check on the progress of my sisters, and you will deliver the messages between us when necessary.”
“Any messages I need to deliver to you will be left in the belvedere.”
“Belvedere?” he frowned.
“It is attached to the cottage at the back of the property, a summerhouse of sorts, and overlooks the cliffs and ocean,” she explained. “It has a breathtaking view of the coast, though its use is for Botany classes because of its direct access to the gardens. The side door faces away from the house so no one will be able to see you coming and going. The cottage is tall enough that you cannot see into the belvedere from the school.”
Mr. Westbrook nodded as if he was beginning to understand.
“I will leave a small lamp in the window if I must meet with you or have left a message.”
“I thought we were to pass notes when I visited my sisters.”
“That might not always be possible. If we meet too often, it may raise suspicious and bring about unwanted attention.” Though, she hoped that after introductions were made she’d no longer need to take part in the plan. Her duties were to act as a go-between only when necessary.
A smile formed on his lips as his green eyes darkened. “Do you fear my reputation, Miss Morris?”
Goodness, the man was seductive, and he wasn’t even attempting to seduce her. “That is not my concern, I can assure you.” She thrust out her chin and straightened her spine, determined to be professional. “However, we have three students who are far too curious for their own good. I don’t wish them to become more inquisitive than they already are. If they see us together too often…” Claudia shook her head. “Well, I don’t want to even consider what mischief they might get up to.”
Mr. Westbrook chuckled. “Can three girls really be so difficult?”
Claudia nearly choked on her tea. “Trust me, those three could be more problematic than Napoleon anchoring his ships off the shores of Cornwall.”
Chapter 3
For having summoned devils to their aid they actually dare to heap harms upon mankind, and even to destroy their enemies by their evil spells. And it is certain that in operation of this kind the witch works in close conjunction with the devil.
~ Malleus Maleficarum by Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger
Restlessness drove him from the manor. Gabe should be used to waiting, which he did more of than he preferred, but now was not a time to hide and await instructions. Besides, he needed to become familiar with his new estate, the neighboring land, paths to the beach, and most importantly, the cave beneath Creighton Manor. As he was a new resident, nobody would think it odd if he rode the area he would now call home.
After saddling his horse, Gabe rode into the town of Kirksbury and became familiar with the buildings and businesses before turning toward the coast and making his way along the cliffs, noting the different steep paths leading to the beach. One such path was situated at the back of his property, and Gabe anticipated making use of it often. He did so today before continuing along the beach, pausing only to look up at the school, noting the fencing that probably kept the girls from venturing too far to where they might fall.
Where was the school in approximation to the cave and Creighton Manor? He’d been under the impression the school was within walking distance. If that were the case, whoever had rooms facing the manor may also have a view of the beach. He just hoped that did not include the entrance to the cave.
Further down, the beach widened as the cliffs curved in and away from the ocean. Beyond was supposed to be the cave. Gabe was just about to explore further when a voice drifted down to him from above. Shading his eyes, he looked to the top of the cliff to note servants, two gentlemen, Miss Morris, another woman, and three students. They noted his presence and Gabe waved. As he did not wish them to know his true purpose for being where he was, he turned his horse from the direction of the cave and returned to the path leading to his house.
Once he was above the cliffs, Gabe rode in the direction where he’d seen everyone gathered. They turned toward him as he approached and dismounted.
Miss Morris’s blue eyes were bright and her cheeks pink from cold wind. Her cloak was pulled close, and she held tight to the collar ab
out her neck. His first instinct was to pull her into his arms to block the wind and warm her. A thought Gabe shut down immediately. He had no idea where it had come from in the first place, but it appeared, unbidden in his mind the moment he dismounted.
“Mr. Westbrook,” Miss Morris greeted. “Are you enjoying your ride this afternoon?”
“Yes, thank you,” he returned. “I thought to discover the area now that I’m settled.”
Three girls, close to Victoria’s and Olivia’s age stared at him with open astonishment and curiosity. Without being told, he assumed these were the three that he’d been warned of, not that they looked very dangerous to him.
Beyond the group, servants were building a fence. Did they fear someone would fall from the cliff? Had someone? It was a far drop and unlikely anyone would survive the fall.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Westbrook,” a gentleman stuck out his hand, which Gabe shook. “I am Anton Kazakov and my wife, Natasha Kazakov. Welcome to Kirksbury.”
“Dimitri Petrov,” the other man introduced himself, and Gabe nodded in greeting, glad to have finally met those who were to help him catch French spies.
One of the girls took a step forward, the sun brightened her red hair, and Miss Morris shot them a warning look. “Girls, it’s time you returned to the school.”
“But you still haven’t told us why you’re building a fence,” the red-haired girl asked.
“To keep you from going to the beach, ever again.”
The young girl eyed the fence being built, and even though he didn’t know her, Gabe recognized the calculation in her grey eyes.
“The gate at the top of the path will also be locked and high enough so you cannot climb over,” Miss Morris continued.
The redhead looked to the blonde, a small smile pulled at her lips, which she quickly removed. The blonde, however, narrowed her blue eyes on the redhead in warning.
“Further,” Mrs. Kazakov added, “we’ve blocked the entrance from the manor to the cave. If you find yourselves trapped again, there will be no way to rescue you.”
Ah, so that is what they are about. Nobody had warned him that the students had gone into the cave. Their presence could ruin everything.
“If you wish to come to the manor, though I prefer you not, you will be required to use the road and main entrance just as everyone else does.” Mrs. Kazakov took a step forward. “My husband and I are extremely tired of your constant snooping, as are Lord and Lady Severen.” She raised her arm and pointed to the school. “You will now return to your classes, and I don’t wish to see you near the beach or my home without invitation.”
Gabe looked to where she pointed and realized the school was actually closer than he’d realized. How were they going to keep a quarter of the students or teachers from seeing what was occurring on the beach? Of course, most everything would take place under the cover of darkness and after the students should be safely tucked in their beds, but what if one of them wasn’t one night and they saw the activity on the beach?
“Now march,” Mrs. Kazakov ordered.
With a heavy sigh, the girls turned and started trudging back toward the school. Though they sent a number of curious glances back over their shoulders, Miss Morris and Mrs. Kazakov stood together in their determination to see the girls gone from them.
“Do you now understand my concern?” Miss Morris asked once the students were too far away to hear their conversation.
“I believe I do,” Gabe finally admitted. Though he had discounted her concern before, the three finding their way into the cave was another matter entirely. Not only could it ruin everything, but it could be dangerous to them as well.
Claudia’s breath hitched when she spotted Mr. Westbrook on the beach on top of a sleek Arabian. Even though the winter wind blew cold against them on the cliff, the sight of him heated her blood. Perhaps it was simply the innuendos and gossip she’d read in the newssheets that piqued her interest, or maybe it was because he was the most handsome gentleman she’d encountered, but there was something about Mr. Westbrook that spoke to something deep inside Claudia that she’d not experienced before.
“Why didn’t they seem deterred by a lock?” he asked.
“Lady Sophia Trent has a talent for picking them.”
His eyebrows arched in surprise. “Lord Hopkins’ daughter?”
“The very one,” Natalie chuckled.
“But you don’t need to be concerned that Sophia will be of assistance,” Claudia quickly added. “Her father has asked that she do her best to keep the other two from the beach and the cave.”
“She knows?” Mr. Westbrook demanded in alarm.
“Only that her father is connected to the Home Office, but she does not know any of the details. He has asked this of her, and she will do her best to curtail any curiosity the other two may show.” It was asking much of the student, but Sophia also knew that if her friends couldn’t be deterred in their curiously, she was to go straight to Claudia for help.
“By my estimation, we have a fortnight in which to prepare,” Kazakov said after a moment.
That was Claudia’s understanding as well.
“The ships should arrive within the week,” Petrov advised. “A lord, who shall remain nameless, was encouraged to loan us the wares within his caves in exchange for the Revenue Men turning a blind eye to any and all suspicious activity occurring in and around that coastal town.”
“Rather enterprising,” Gabe muttered.
“I have but one concern with the plan,” Natalie said after a moment.
“What would that be?” Claudia asked.
“Have you forgotten that the girls’ chamber faces the beach and Creighton Manor?” She glanced up toward the school.
“I assumed a number of students had rooms facing in the same direction, but for your own reasons you weren’t concerned.” A hint of alarm tinged Mr. Westbrook’s words.
“I will find a way to take care of that small problem,” Claudia assured them. Even if it meant breaking a window so they’d have to move to a chamber on the opposite of the house. “At the very least, we will be rid of them shortly as they will return home for the Christmas season.”
Chapter 4
But a witch is depraved through sin, therefore the cause of it is not the devil but human will.
~Malleus Maleficarum by Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger
Gabe stood in his chambers, looking out into the dark night toward the school and beyond to Creighton Manor. From here, he could see the dark outline of the buildings and lights in a few of the rooms. Now that he was certain of their location in proximity to Harrington Manor, he knew where he needed to watch. However, the small cottage and belvedere at the back of the gardens of the school could not be seen, which was a concern. What if Miss Morris left a lamp, but he could not see it from his location?
There was no better place within this manor to view the area, which was why he’d chosen these chambers for his own after he returned from his ride that afternoon. As the home was already fully furnished, it was not a difficult task for his servants to move his belongings, a task in which he assisted. Everyone from the lowest maid to his valet had all stood in this very spot as he pointed to the areas that needed to be watched and then had visited the chamber next to his to make certain it had the same view. All of them were on alert for what may come, but they would go about the duties they were to perform within the household until such time came as they would be needed. When Gabe was away from the manor, another would stand in this place, or the chamber next door, and watch.
While Gabe slept, and no matter what the hour, there would be eyes watching the coast and beach behind Creighton Manor, as well as the cottage at the back of the school, if they could figure out a way to see the blasted place.
What if Miss Morris placed the light but nobody saw it? What if she needed to warn them, but ignorance of some danger led him into a trap.
Trust was necessary in his profession, and even tho
ugh he’d not worked with most of those currently in his household, he did trust them. They would not be here if the Home Office didn’t believe they could carry out the mission. It was also a very good chance they would not be needed and all would go as planned. However, to those outside of this manor, he could not give the same level of trust.
What did he know of Miss Morris other than what Lord Hopkins had told him? She may be a willing participant, but she wasn’t trained in the manner of espionage. Furthermore, a child was given the responsibility of watching over two of her friends. All of it seemed like a very bad idea.
He blew out a sigh and took a deep drink of his brandy. Disaster was written all over this campaign, and he needed to make alternate plans with his staff to make sure they did not fail.
Of course, it could be a blasted waste of time as well. There was no guarantee that Marseau would return with spies or even men who wished to investigate before sending anyone to England. There were several such places along the coast where the French could breach security, and they were simply to trust Marseau to lead them here? What if they insisted on being taken somewhere else? What if they lost the trust of Marseau? What if….
Those questions could carry him into the night, as they often did at the beginning of a new assignment, and it was up to Gabe to plan for every conceivable outcome. However, the first order of business was to determine if the one place he was to watch for warning and messages could even be viewed.
He should have asked Miss Morris to test her plan this evening, so he could bes secure in the knowledge that he’d be able to see the light, but he hadn’t. Tomorrow, however, he’d need to visit the school and hopefully pass a message to her so that he could be certain the light could be seen. If he couldn’t find the cottage in moonlight, how was he to find it on a cloudy night?
Claudia made her way to the belvedere as soon as supper was concluded and the students sent upstairs. She’d been wanting to come out here all day, but between classes and tracking the girls down after they slipped away to the cliffs, she’d never gotten the chance. Preparations needed to be made in the event she needed to leave messages for Westbrook. She hoped that it wouldn’t come to that and they wouldn’t really need her. The more she was involved, the more likely the troublesome trio would note her unusual activity. Further, if messages were necessary, they couldn’t just be left on a counter or table. They’d need to be hidden where only Westbrook would know to look.