“Yes, my sweet. Someone else, who will take the fall. After the Season, we will be able to elope.” He kissed her palm. “We could go wherever you want, I don’t mind—as long as I am with you.”
“You would do this for me?”
“Without hesitation,” he replied.
“You are truly wonderful, Owen.” She moved even closer to him, half sitting in his lap.
“Everything will be better, believe me.” He stroked her waist, beginning to unbutton her gown.
“But who will take the fall?” She moaned as he kissed the nape of her neck.
“Mr. Langley!”
Chapter 23
“How do you think he will react?” Mr. Holmes turned to Jasper, looking nervous. They stood side by side in front of the pub, where they had been told Constable McIntire was likely to be found.
“We can only hope that Lord Windham was correct in his assumption that Mr. McIntire would help us,” Jasper replied. Truth be told, he was not sure what they could expect. From what he had heard about the Constable, Mr. McIntire was a rough and intimidating individual.
They entered the pub, which was surprisingly filled with people, considering how early it was. As the daylight encased them in the doorway, the patrons looked up, observing them. Jasper hurried to close the door and walked further inside.
“What will ya have, gents,” the grubby barkeeper asked.
“Nothing, we’re here look—” Mr. Holmes began, but Jasper cut him off.
“Give us two ales,” he said, gesturing to Mr. Holmes that they should sit down.
“Here ya go.” The barkeeper handed them two glasses of dark ale, filled to the brim.
“Thank you,” he replied, handing the barkeeper a coin.
“What brings ya here, then,” the barkeeper asked. “Ye don’t seem familiar.”
“We are looking for someone.” He took a sip of his drink.
“Aye, is that so?” The barkeeper looked shrewdly at them.
“Mr. McIntire,” Jasper said cautiously. The barkeeper was quiet for a long while. Finally, he grinned, a toothless grin, and yelled to a man that sat in the far corner.
“Oi, Constable, ye got company!”
There was a trickle of laughter from the other patrons in the pub, and Mr. Holmes looked pale. Jasper shook his head and chortled.
Fair enough!
He grabbed his drink and walked toward the table in the far corner. Mr. Holmes hurried to follow him. The man that sat at the table was a surprisingly neatly-dressed man, his hair carefully combed to the side, a shining pocket watch visible from his waistcoat pocket.
“May we join you?” Jasper asked. Constable McIntire raised his eyebrow but waved his hand over the seats, signaling they should sit.
“Who are you?” Mr. McIntire asked.
“I am Jasper Langley, and this is my associate, Mr. Holmes,” he replied. “I’m a—”
“Solicitor,” Mr. McIntire interjected. “Am I right?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“I thought you looked familiar,” Mr. McIntire continued. “I’ve seen you at the courthouse.”
“That’s right,” he said. “We need your help.”
“Do you now?” Mr. McIntire finished his drink in one huge gulp.
“We need you to appear as a witness.” He spoke slowly but deliberately. “An expert witness on forgery,” he added.
“Well, enjoy your day, Mr. Langley.” Mr. McIntire chuckled dryly, standing up, making to leave. “Mr. Holmes,” he nodded his head stiffly at them.
“Lord Windham sent us,” Mr. Holmes chimed in nervously. Mr. McIntire froze in his step. He turned around to face them, his jaw squared, and his fist clenched.
“Lord Windham?”
“Yes, he told us you were the only one able to help us,” Jasper said, exchanging looks with Mr. Holmes. The Constable looked as if he was deciding whether or not to strike the two of them. After a tense moment, Mr. McIntire sat back down.
“Tell me about this case,” he barked. At once, Jasper hastened to explain the details of their case. Every now and then, Mr. Holmes shot in a comment, eager to help. After they had finished, the Constable stared pensively ahead.
“Lady Williams, you said?”
“Yes, Lady Williams is my client,” he replied.
“I know her,” Mr. McIntire said, his voice inscrutable. “Her stepson is a bastard; he is.” He spoke with harsh determination.
“I agree,” Mr. Holmes said earnestly. His ears burned red at the lopsided grin on Mr. McIntire’s face.
“All right then, I will help you. You should count yourselves lucky to have Lord Windham’s support,” Mr. McIntire said roughly. “Do you have the will?”
“It’s at my office,” Jasper said, handing Mr. McIntire his business card.
“I will be there late afternoon.” At that, he stood up and left without paying them any more attention.
“He’s going to help,” Mr. Holmes said in disbelief.
“We might have a chance to win this, after all.” Jasper grabbed his glass and downed it in one long swallow.
* * *
Caroline stared at the cut-out piece of paper in her hand, with a wide smile. Madeleine had managed to find the Examiner and cut out the article she had written. It felt rather unreal to see the words she had written printed out in black ink. She was itching to start on her next piece, but she did not seem to have much time. Between the activities her aunt planned for her and the outings with Lord Estaria, Caroline felt as if she hardly had any time to herself.
Later, she was going with the Dowager Duchess to the British Museum. They would meet Lady Adams, who had persuaded her aunt to go to this exhibition. Her aunt then invited Lord Estaria to join them as well.
I wonder, if I write my article now, will I be able to bring it to Mr. Langley while we are out?
The museum was far away from his office, but she decided she would try it. She sat at her worktable yet again and began writing.
“My Lady?” Madeleine said, a long while later. “You need to get ready. I can see that Lord Estaria has arrived.” She stood by the window, peering outside.
“I’m almost done,” Caroline replied, writing the last sentence. She folded the article and slipped it into her reticule without a thought. Her wrist ached from the hurried writing, and her hand had ink blotches all over. “Oh, dear.” She examined her hand, trying to rub away the stain with her handkerchief.
“Allow me to help you,” Madeleine said. She brought a damp towel over and rubbed away the ink.
“Let’s hope Her Grace will not notice this.” She laughed as Madeleine rubbed hard, trying to rid her of the seemingly multiplying ink spots.
On the way to the carriage, Caroline looked around for Lord Estaria’s manservant, but he was nowhere to be seen today.
Who scratched him, the last time I saw him? It looked like a recent wound.
“You look lovely, Lady Caroline,” Lord Estaria said with a deep bow. She was a little startled when she noticed his features. He had heavy bags under his eyes, and his complexion was gray.
“Thank you, My Lord,” she replied, unable to tear her eyes away from his tired face.
“Dowager Duchess,” he said, turning to face her aunt. “Thank you for inviting me. This exhibition is excellent, I have heard.”
“Lord Estaria, I am glad you could join us,” the Dowager Duchess said. Caroline was sure she could see slight disapproval in her aunt’s eyes, for the Marquess’ appearance.
“Allow me to help you, Lady Caroline,” he said, helping her step up into the carriage.
During the ride to the museum, her heart hammered in her chest. The article was carefully folded and hidden in her silk reticule, but she and Lord Estaria were sitting close to each other. The closure on the reticule was very delicate, and she was terrified he would brush against the harsh edge of the papers. The ride was a bumpy one, and with every unevenness in the road they gently touched.
What wa
s I thinking, bringing the article with me?! This carriage is much too small, there is no way I will be able to hand Madeleine the article without him noticing.
“Are you all right, Lady Caroline?” He looked at her and turned slightly in his seat. This caused the reticule to move slightly, and she could feel the folded papers slipping up. Desperately trying to find a way to distract Lord Estaria, she took his hand in hers.
“These journeys make me a bit unwell,” she said softly. He stared at their joined hands, looking perplexed. But then, to her horror, he squeezed her hand tightly and moved their hands much too close to his lap.
“Lord Estaria!” She gasped. Madeleine stared at them wide-eyed but looked down to her lap as soon as he glanced in her direction.
“You don’t have to be frightened,” he said in a hushed voice. He stroked his fingers across the back of her hand. There was another harsh bump in the road, and she could feel the article slipping from her reticule Completely panicking, she put her free hand over her reticule and ripped her hand away from his grip.
“Lady Caroline?” He stared at her, surprised.
“I beg your pardon,” she whispered. “This is too much... We cannot.” She gently nodded her head in Madeleine’s direction.
“You seem agitated today, My Lady. Have I done something wrong?” He looked at her with concern. His gaze dropped down for a moment. He peered at her hand, which was covering the article.
“What is that, Lady Caroline?” He pointed to her now open reticule. She shook slightly with fear.
“I...” Her mind seemed to be completely blank. “I am a little frightened,” she blurted.
“Frightened of what?” Lord Estaria asked.
“Of my emotions.” Her heart was beating so loudly it was a wonder he didn’t comment on it.
“Your emotions?”
“We barely know each other, but I feel a connection between us.” The words came out, and she surprised herself with the lie.
“What do you mean?” He readjusted his position so that he could look directly into her eyes.
“I’m unfamiliar with this emotion I feel when I am around you,” she said, desperately trying to seem truthful. Thankfully, this seemed to take his attention completely away from the hidden article.
“Oh, My Lady, your words make my heart soar toward the skies,” Lord Estaria said with a wide smile, grasping her hand tightly.
Oh, dear Lord. What have I done?
Chapter 24
The carriage slowed down and finally stopped. Lord Estaria stepped out and offered Caroline his hand to help her down. She hastily pushed the article deeper into her reticule and left the carriage. She was half-blinded by the sunlight, shining directly at her. It was a lovely day, and frankly, it was a shame to spend it indoors.
The carriage that the Dowager Duchess sat in arrived shortly, and soon all of them entered the museum. Caroline looked around for Madeleine, desperate to rid herself of the article. It had been too close in the carriage. However, Lord Estaria did not seem desirous of leaving her side at all.
“My dear Dowager Duchess,” Lady Adams screeched as they approached her. She was wearing a gown which was a violently bright shade of puce. Caroline found herself unable to stop staring at Lady Adams.
“Lady Adams, how are you!” The Dowager Duchess rushed forward to greet her friend.
“You, of course, know my niece Lady Caroline,” she gestured to Caroline, who curtsied in return. “This young gentleman is Owen, the Marquess of Estaria.”
He took a step forward and gave Lady Adams a deep bow. “It truly is an honor to meet you, Lady Adams.”
“Likewise, My Lord,” Lady Adams replied. “How wonderful it is that our lovely Lady Caroline agreed to court you. You two certainly seem to be a fine match.”
“This has been a most fruitful time that I have been blessed to spend with Lady Caroline,” he said courteously. “I certainly am not afraid to admit that I believe our future together is bright and auspicious.” Lord Estaria took Caroline’s palm in his and kissed her hand, to her utter and complete surprise.
“How lovely!” Lady Anna exclaimed, grabbing the Dowager Duchesses arm. The two walk forward, heads bowed as they spoke. Caroline did not know what to say or do. Such a public display of affection!
What has made him do such a thing? Did my actions in the carriage give him a sense of entitlement to behave in such a way?
“We should continue,” she said, not wanting to be too far away from her aunt.
“Of course, darling.” Lord Estaria replied. He finally let go of her hand, and Caroline had to stop herself from wiping his kiss from her hand.
They walked the corridor of the museum, admiring the exotic-looking pieces from the exhibition. The museum was filled with people, and they moved slowly as they were constantly meeting and greeting. Caroline had still not been able to hand Madeleine the article, what with Lord Estaria standing close beside her the entire time. It wasn’t until they were halfway through the exhibition.
The Dowager Duchess had stopped to chat with an acquaintance, Lady Eastridge and her niece, a young lady of a similar age as Caroline. When she turned around, she realized that Lord Estaria was nowhere to be seen. Her aunt was wholly immersed in her conversation. Caroline knew this was her only opportunity. She turned around to look for her lady’s maid.
“Madeleine,” she whispered. Madeleine, who had been keeping to the side, stepped closer to her, and Caroline led them to a corner behind a giant statue made of carved stone.
“Here, take this.” She pulled out the article, which was crumpled and ripped in one corner, and handed it to Madeleine. “I should not have taken this with me, will you keep it for me?”
“Of course, My Lady,” Madeleine replied, taking the papers and hiding them out of sight at once.
“I was hoping I would be able to give this to Mr. Langley, somehow.” She sighed heavily. All hope of sneaking off as she had done before was completely impossible.
“I can help you,” Madeleine whispered.
“How?”
“There are always young boys looking to earn a farthing or two,” Madeleine explained.
“Do you trust them?”
This is an awful risk, what if someone confiscates the article?
“I do. They are only trying to survive, but if you prefer me not to, we can find another way.” Madeleine looked embarrassed.
“No, I trust you,” she hurried to say. “I trust you with my life, Madeleine.”
“Thank you, My Lady,” Madeleine replied somberly. “But I will have to leave for a little while.”
“I will make sure your absence will not be noticed.” She nodded her head gravely.
“Thank you, My Lady.” Madeleine looked around.
Caroline returned to her aunt and was surprised to see that Lord Estaria had not returned yet. But that was when she realized who Lady Eastridge’s niece was. It was Lady Sarah, the one that she and Lord Estaria had met in Hyde Park!
* * *
Jasper was walking away from the pub, back to the office. It was quite a long walk, but it would help him clear his mind. Mr. Holmes had to return to his class. He felt a bounce in his step, finally, something was going in the right direction with his case.
He was deep in thought when someone called his name. He turned around and was unable to see who was calling him.
“Mr. Langley!” A female voice repeated. He looked to his right, and that’s when he noticed a familiar figure standing next to a boy who had his hand outstretched.
“You may leave,” she said to the boy, who shrugged his shoulders and ran away. “Mon Dieu, this must be fate.”
“Madeleine, what are you doing here?” He looked hopefully around, trying to see where Lady Caroline was.
“I do not have much time, but Lady Caroline asked this to be brought to you,” she said, staring at him, still shaking her head in disbelief. “C’est incroyable.”
“Where is Lady Caroline?”
“I see.” He looked at the Museum building, feeling a reckless abandon wash over him, urging him to ignore Madeleine’s warning and go and see Lady Caroline.
“Here, take this.” Madeleine handed him folded papers.
“Thank you.” He took the papers and was about to unfold them.
For The Lust 0f A Rogue (Steamy Historical Regency Romance) Page 15