They were escorted behind the counter, taking a wide berth around the constables who were now fighting.
“Pay them no heed,” said the clerk. “They’re drunk as lords. No offense yer lordship. ‘ow long will ye need the prisoner?”
“Perhaps a quarter hour.”
“That’ll be ten bob.”
“No, it won’t.” said James.
“But I need the coin.”
“Ten shillings. And that is my final offer.”
The sergeant looked like he wanted to argue further, but simply held out his hand. Once James deposited the coins, he let them into the room.
Though James was certain that the prisoner was Frederick Adams, he looked like he’d slept in a slop bucket and smelled even worse. Irene swayed briefly, until James caught her close to him. He was going to offer her a seat, but from the looks of the general cleanliness of the room, he had a feeling she would rather stand. She’d probably rather faint.
“Mr. Adams,” said James to the man who was squinting at him, as if trying to place him. “It is I, James Emerson, from America.”
Adams’s eyes went wide. “I’m not back in the Godforsaken colonies, am I? I couldn’t have got that drunk.”
“No, you are in the Portsmouth gaol. And not for the first time, if what I am told is true.”
“Couldn’t abide it in America. The accent alone is enough to drive a man crazy. You don’t sound American,”
“I am not. I am James Emerson. Brother of the Earl of Ridgeway.”
Adams squinted again. “How did we meet again?”
“You were a notary in Philadelphia. I had you witness a land transaction. I had a farm in Bucks County.”
“Whyever would you do something like that? You don’t look like a farmer. And she certainly doesn’t look like a farmer’s wife.” He gazed appreciatively at Irene. She sidled closer to James.
“Adams, I need you to focus,” said James.
“I could do that a good deal better if I was out of this gaol. I don’t suppose you can post my bail.”
“Unfortunately, I spent all my remaining money to come here. And if we tarry too long, I shall have to pay the clerk again.”
“Then why should I speak to you?”
“Because, Mr. Adams,” said Irene, “while you have suffered a personal setback, I believe you are an educated, honorable man. It is not easy to become a notary. You must have a good reputation and be a man of some integrity.”
“Actually, all you have to do is pay a tax,” said Adams, but he was not unmoved by Irene’s compliments. He sat up a bit taller in his seat.
“If it were truly that easy, wouldn’t there be more men thus employed? I believe you are too modest by half, Mr. Adams.”
And James was certain she was doing it up entirely too brown.
“Can you answer a few questions for us, Mr. Adams?” asked Irene.
“I guess it beats going back to my cell,” he said, as he shrugged.
“Thank you,” said James. “Do you remember me? We met in Philadelphia. I had just acquired a farm in Bucks County.”
Adams studied him, then slowly nodded as recognition lit his face. “Aye. I remember thinking you’d never last. You didn’t look like a toff, not like that friend of yours, but you were a fool to want to farm the land when the mining companies were trying to buy it up.”
“You remember my friend?”
“Uh-huh. I have a mind for things like that. He was another toff. Quite chuffed about it, he was. Said he was the heir to some viscount. Ainsley or Ainswell or Ainsworth or some such. I was surprised the two of you were even mates. He seemed a little, well, lightweight in the noggin department.”
“And do you remember my agreement with this gentleman? About giving him limited power of attorney while I was away?”
“Aye. I wasn’t sure you knew what you were about with that. He was a funny sort. A bit weaselly about the eyes. But he was to run the farm and act on your behalf whilst you were gone. You were going to see your little girl, right? I didn’t even know you had one. But you were going to New York and were expected to be back in a couple weeks. In the meantime, weasel eyes…”
“His name is Wallace.”
“That’s what it was. Cecil…no Cedric Wallace. He was to look after your land and keep the squatters out. But he wasn’t to do anything without your say so. Nothing big. Just protecting your land ‘til you got back. I take it that didn’t work out too well.”
“No, it did not.”
The sense of relief rushing through James was so significant, he could barely stand still. He wanted to jump for joy. To shout out in triumph. He turned to Irene, only noticing then that she was so very pale, with tears in her eyes. He squeezed her hand. “Miss Wallace, do you have any questions for Mr. Adams?”
She shook her head. “No,” she said quietly. “I do not have any questions.”
“Wallace?” asked Adams. “Is this lady kin to Mr. Cedric Wallace?”
“Yes. He is my brother.” She seemed to regain her equilibrium. “Thank you, Mr. Adams, for clearing up this matter. Now, if you could please write down what you told us.”
Adams looked at her appraisingly and sat back in his seat. “If Wallace is your brother, I’m surprised you’d want me to write something so incriminating about him.”
“He is my brother. But I am interested in the truth. I assume you have been honest and thorough in your recollections?”
Adams slowly nodded.
“Then, yes, please, I would like you to give a faithful accounting.” She pulled out paper and pencil from her reticule. When he still looked hesitant, she added “We will pay you for your time.”
“It’s not my time that concerns me right now, but my bail.”
“If we pay it, will you write up the statement?” asked Irene.
“I’d even notarize it, if I could,” he said with a smirk. “Why don’t I start on this while you see to my release?”
James was torn. He wanted the statement, but he had a feeling he did not have enough funds for the bail. But Irene hesitated not at all.
“Very well,” she said, “but do make sure you are thorough. This may be used as testimony in court.”
“I could also be persuaded to testify in person, providing I can get a few coins for travel and accommodations,” he said. “I can look right respectable when I try.”
“I believe the statement should suffice,” said Irene. “Now, Lord James, if you will be so kind as to accompany me to the clerk.”
They left Adams writing as they once more entered the main waiting area. “His bail may cost well more than I can afford,” said James.
“You will not be paying it,” said Irene, “though I shall hand my purse over to you now, since they may not take me seriously.”
“I cannot allow you to pay for this,” said James.
“But don’t you see? All of this is my family’s fault, and by extension mine. Cedric owes you the land, yes. But we also must reimburse you for all your expenses. You would not have undertaken any of this had it not been for Cedric’s…theft.” Her eyes were swimming with tears, but she held on to her composure. “I am ashamed of his actions. But more than that, I am ashamed for not believing you from the first. For doubting your word.”
“I can only imagine the picture I presented when I arrived at your home looking like an untamed frontiersman. I might not have believed me either. Hush, love, please do not do this to yourself, especially here.”
“But…”
He kissed her gently. “We can discuss this later. Let us see to the task at hand.”
They found a clerk and set about arranging for bail. As with so many aspects of gaol, the bail started at an amount slightly higher than highway robbery, then was negotiated down to merely exorbitant. But finally they came away with Adams’s release papers.
When they went in to inform the man himself, James was pleased to see that Adams had done a very neat recitation of the pertinent facts. He g
ave it to Irene to read and when she approved it, James let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.
“So is that it?” asked Adams. “I’ll be released forthwith?”
“Yes, and I even told the clerk we’d be waiting to ensure they did as promised.”
“I thank you for that. You never can tell who’ll go back on his word.”
“Indeed,” said Irene. “We shall wait outside for your release.”
“You won’t leave without me, will you?” asked Adams.
“No,” said James. “We will see that you are released as promised.”
James escorted Irene outside, away from the foul stench of the gaol for a breath of comparatively less foul sea air. He wanted nothing more than to return to the inn and begin packing, but he would not go back on his word to Adams.
He was worried about Irene, who was decidedly troubled but did not speak. She had to know he did not blame her for her brother’s misdeeds. He could never blame her. She was too important to him.
He could not think too much about that right now.
A little more than an hour later, Adams emerged, blinking against the setting sun. He took a deep breath of air. “It does a man good to finally be out.”
“Hopefully you will not be in a rush to return,” said James. He handed him some coins. “This should help you get a good meal, clothes and lodging.”
Adams counted the coins and pocketed them. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Do you know what you’ll do now?” asked Irene.
“I hadn’t really thought about it much. I considered going to the continent, but I got in trouble the last time waiting for the tide. Mayhap, I’ll stay in England for a while, but far from this godforsaken city.”
“Adams,” said James softly. “You had a profession in America. I am sure they need notaries in England, as well. What if you put your mind to honest work again?”
Adams shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe I will.”
“Good luck to you. And thank you for your assistance.”
“My pleasure,” said Adams as he bowed mockingly to James. “Miss Wallace.” He looked her up and down.
If Adams hadn’t done them quite so big of a favor, James would’ve upbraided the man. But fortunately for all concerned, Adams turned and disappeared into the crowd.
“Shall we go back to the inn?” James asked Irene.
“Yes,” said Irene, as she placed her arm in his. “We have much to discuss.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Irene’s thoughts were in turmoil. And, even worse, her heart was about to break. She was ashamed of her brother’s actions. He’d stolen. Actually stolen from James. But she was happy that James would once again be in possession of his land, for she would personally see to it that everything was set to rights. Even if she had to testify in court.
Even if it would hurt her father.
She regretted that, but the blame lay solely with Cedric. And James Emerson certainly shouldn’t have to pay the price.
She’d come to the conclusion that James Emerson was very important to her, as was Anna. She would help them any way she could, even though she knew they would leave her in the end.
She was ashamed to admit that there’d been a part of her which had hoped James would be unsuccessful in his quest. Not just because that would be easier on her father, but because it would mean that James and Anna would stay in England.
It was selfish of her to want that. But she’d begun to think of a world where they could be together. She wasn’t sure what they would do for money. As a viscount’s daughter, she’d never really had to think about finances before. Her family wasn’t one of the richest in the ton, but they’d never had to take steps to economize as others had. She wasn’t sure what would be entailed in living in such a manner.
But she’d be more than willing to find out.
However, now James and Anna would return to America. Without her.
They walked in silence through the streets. She could tell he was already planning his return to Pennsylvania. After time in London to settle the legal matters, he and Anna could be underway within weeks. And she’d never see them again.
How was she to bear it?
James escorted her back to their room. It was only when the door was closed, that he pulled her into his arms.
“What is wrong, Irene? I can tell something has upset you. I promise we’ll be away from this city and its wretched smells tomorrow.”
“It is not Portsmouth that makes me sad,” she said, reveling in the warmth of being held by him.
“So you’re telling me you’d like to move here?”
She managed to laugh, despite her mood. “Not under any circumstances. But I once again must apologize on behalf of my brother and my family.”
“Hush. You’ve done nothing wrong and you are most assuredly not your brother. You have shown yourself to be kind, loyal and true. You helped save Anna. And that means more to me than anything else in this world. Please, Irene. Do not be sad.”
He kissed her eyelids gently, then moved down to her cheeks. Her lips.
“Is this the only thing you ever think about?” she asked with a small laugh.
“When I am with you it is. Please love, do not cry. I cannot abide that.”
They kissed for a moment more, then she pulled back. “I cannot think when you do that.”
“And I cannot think that is a bad thing in a time like this.”
“So you will go to America?”
“Yes. As soon as the legal matter is settled. I do hope your father will accept Adams’s statement on its merits. I would hate to take this to court. But, if he does not cooperate, I am afraid I must. I hope you understand.”
“I do,” she said. “You must do what is right for you and Anna.”
“I hope I can return in time for the spring planting. I must confess that I did not miss the winter.”
“Is it much colder there?”
“I do not know if there is much of a difference in temperature. But in England you can generally escape it by living in a well-heated home. Most houses there are not as well insulated as the ones here. In fact, when I build mine…”
“Marry me, James!” His name was hardly out of her mouth before she realized what she had just said. And from the look on his face, she’d said it out loud and within his hearing.
“Excuse me?”
Perhaps now was the time to tell him she hadn’t really said that or that she’d been in jest. Perhaps she should simply run from the room, never to return. But, instead, she repeated it.
“Marry me. Take me to your farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Anna and I can help you build the one-room house you told me about. I do not know the first thing about being a farmer’s wife, but I can certainly learn. I already know how to look after Anna and I know I can look after you. I know I can….love you. In fact, I already do.” She might as well be hanged for a sheep, as a lamb. Or in this case, since she already asked him to marry her, he might as well know she loved him. Otherwise, she would seem like a Bedlamite through and through.
“Irene, I….” He was at a loss for words.
“I know I am Cedric’s sister and, therefore, must be an objectionable bride.”
“That is not why you are an objectionable bride.”
She narrowed her eyes. It was one thing to be rejected. But did he have to do it in such an unpleasant manner? “If Cedric is not my problem, then what is?”
“I did not mean it like that. Of course there is nothing wrong with you. You are everything that is right about this world. And you should not twist my words like that. It is not every day a man is proposed to. You must make allowances for my surprise and the fact men say the wrong things in romance more often than not. What I meant to say is you cannot want to marry me.”
“I would not have asked, if I didn’t. But, I do believe that if we go down this road much further I shall change my mind.”
“You should do so for your own go
od, of course. Though the thought gives me no comfort. Do you not wish to know my feelings for you?”
She did only if they matched hers. Right now she could not tell. She knew he cared for her. That he appreciated her love for Anna. That he was attracted to her physically. But love? She could not tell. But she could not turn coward. Not now.
She nodded.
“I love you. I believe I have from the moment you put your arm around Anna when that arse Simon Chilcott barged into Layton’s library. But it is not just the way you care for Anna that makes me love you. I love you because you decided to search out the truth for yourself. That you were loyal to your family, but had the integrity to want answers. That you would risk getting the chicken pox to take care of a little girl. That you would be willing to leave your family and friends and set out for a life on the frontier, leaving behind everyone you know. I love you, dearest Irene. But it is because I do, that I cannot marry you.”
“That makes no sense.” He loved her.
“It makes all the sense in the world.”
“You and I have traveled for days with no chaperone. I am at an inn with you right now. I plan to spend the night in your arms, though this bed is considerably bigger than the one we’re used to and there is no risk of my falling off it.”
“I have a confession, Irene. There was never any risk of you falling off the bed in the housekeeper’s suite. For even if you’d teetered on the precipice time and time again, I would have caught you. Because if we married, I would always catch you before you fell. Always. In all ways.”
“Then why won’t you marry me?”
“I just told you.”
“Give me a better reason.”
“It is a good enough reason.”
“But you have thoroughly compromised me.”
“By some miracle, no one we know has seen us. And, for the record, if I’d ‘thoroughly’ compromised you, you would know.”
“That sounds like a challenge.”
He shrugged.
“Then, Lord James, let the compromising commence.”
*
Once again, James was in a battle with this woman. But not of wits – they engaged in those on a daily basis. This was a sensual challenge. And one he had no will to resist.
Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2) Page 18