This however she was very certain that it wasn’t true. Killian had never fathered any illegitimate children that she knew of and if he did, he definitely wouldn’t abandon them. “Perhaps I should fetch my husband after all.” Without waiting, she rose to her feet and hurried from the room.
Without knocking, she entered the study. “Excuse me for interrupting, but there is a sensitive matter that needs your urgent attention.”
With a raised brow, Killian rose from his chair behind his desk. “Carry on, Davis. I’ll be back shortly.” Striding over to his wife, he grasped her elbow and led her out of the room closing the door behind them. “So, what seems to be the urgent problem?”
“I don’t know if you’re acquainted with a Lady Hollensbrook, but she’s just told the most amazing tale. She’s rather good actually, I must say. Her performance is excellent and she plays the part well. Most people would believe her act, but she failed to convince aunty and me.” She told him as they strolled towards the parlor
“Never heard of her and you say it’s a delicate matter? I’m intrigued. I’m confused though you say she’s a lady yet you’re describing an actress. Well, I suppose I’ll find out just what’s going on.” Curious, he stepped into the parlor wearing a pleasant smile. “Though we have never met my wife informs me you have something you wish to discuss with me.”
“Oh, Killian how can you pretend not to know me? After all we have been to each other and everything we have shared, you feign no knowledge of me. Your cruelty knows no bounds.” Lady Hollensbrook accused him tearfully.
Modesty only reached the count of three before he turned to her and amusement brightened her eyes when she saw the horrifying disbelief on his face. She patted his arm in sympathy. “Now you understand what I mean.”
“You could have given me some warning.” He growled low, it had taken him several seconds to realize that lying chit was pregnant. “And I can’t believe you find enjoyment in this absurd farce. You, my wicked wife will be receiving a spanking for this.”
“I thought this would be more fun for you to discover it yourself. You must admit she’s entertaining, even if she’s lying. And just why should I be punished?” She teased back.
With a shake of his head, he grimaced. “You have a deplorable sense of humor, wife and I don’t find the least little thing amusing about this travesty. We’ll discuss your punishment later.”
Before she could reply the woman wailed and shot to her feet, Modesty rolled her eyes in disgust. “Will you please deal with this matter before I develop a headache?”
A sigh of annoyance passing his lips, he turned his attention to the loud, weeping woman. “Enough. Start explaining this ludicrous nonsense.”
“Please, Killian, darling. How can you pretend not to know me after we have spent so mant hours in each other’s arms? How can you deny all the times you confessed that you loved me? I won’t let you turn me away again. I won’t. You have to take responsibility for our child. You just can’t abandon us. My parents will turn me away and we’ll be homeless and disgraced. I’m begging you, please, please take care of us.” Jane sobbed louder as she wrung her hands together.
“Woman, I don’t know you and I have most assuredly never touched you. I most certainly didn’t impregnate you. I suggest, no recommend you take your far fetch accusation and leave.” Anger simmered under his skin and he wanted nothing more than to strangle the lying chit. He turned to his wife and saw her eyes dancing with merriment. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”
“Oh yes, it’s rather fun and she’s very good.” Modesty replied with laughter in her voice.
About to demand the woman remove herself from his home, he staggered back as the chit barreled into him and wrapped her arms tightly around him. “Damn it, woman let me go. I’ve had enough of the absurd drama and your lies. You can inform Stokes his plan has failed miserably. I am not responsible for your blasted condition, so cease this ridiculous nonsense.”
“You can’t deny you’re my baby’s father, you can’t. Everyone knows about our affair. You’re only lying so your wife will believe you, but we both know what the truth is.” Jane knew the plan was unsuccessful, but she was desperate.
Killian temper was escalating and he’d had enough of this insane farce. “Turner.” He bellowed and waited impatiently for the butler to arrive. Just as the man stepped into the
room, he’d managed to free himself of the clinging woman. “Remove her and make certain if she comes calling again, refuse her entry.”
Turner let out a long suffering sigh. “Again, your Grace? Very well. Come along, my Lady.” Grasping the woman’s arm tightly, he dragged her from the parlor.
“You won’t get away with this Killian. I won’t let you. I’ll tell everyone that you turned your back on me and our child. That you abandoned us. I’ll ruin you and your marriage.” Jane screeched as she was shoved out the front door.
When the lying chit was hauled away, Killian turned to glare at his wife when she started laughing. “It’s wasn’t the least bit entertaining.” He grouched and folded his arms across his chest.
“Of course, it was. Even auntie’s laughing. You have to admit she’s a consummate actress. I think poor Turner’s growing quite irritable over having to toss out your unwanted admirers. You know Killian I’m beginning to believe all those horrid rumors about you and your many lovers might not be true after all. How ironic is that?” Modesty wiped the tears from her eyes and grinned.
“Blast Turner.” He grumbled, then turned serious. “I suppose I should at least be grateful you didn’t believe her bold-faced lie and that you realize that someone has purposely started spreading rumors about me, besmirching my honor and good name. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was our friend Stokes and I wonder what other outrageous thing the blighter has planned next. The chap you had me hire should be arriving after lunch. Our friend is becoming rather tiresome and I want him dealt with.”
Her amusement dying, she nodded her head. “I agree. I don’t understand why he just doesn’t give this madness up. We’re married and he can’t make me his wife. Now I think about it you’re probably right. It makes sense that he wanted to ruin your reputation and when I heard the terrible gossip about you I would despise you.”
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he wasn’t about to explain to her that Stokes could force her to wed him if he was dead and that was what he was expecting next. Since both plans had failed, it was the only way the madman could successfully get his hands on Modesty. “Thank you for doubting them, sweetheart.” Pleased and relieved he cuddled her closer and his mind turned to more serious matters.
From now on he had to take precautions and make certain she was never left unguarded. Even if, God forbid, he lost his life he wanted her kept safe and out of the fiend’s clutches. The cit was more dangerously unhinged than he credited, but he wasn’t going to underestimate the man again.
After the meeting with the private detective, he would pay a visit to Gideon, Garth and several of their friends. He would inform them of what was going on and they would devise their own plans to keep Modesty out of Stokes’ hands if something happened to him. They would also leave London by the end of the week, it would be safer in the country for both of them.
Now, though he had his secretary waiting for him. “I’m afraid I have to return to the accounts. Try to stay out of trouble.” Bending over he kissed her brow. “Expect to receive your punishment later.” He gave her a wicked wink before dropping his arm from her shoulders and sauntered out of the room.
Wearing a thoughtful frown, he wondered if it was worth paying her father another visit, but quickly dismissed it. The man cared nothing for his own daughter and he suspected his father-in-law was involved in all of Stokes’ plans. No, there were only a handful of men he trusted with his life and especially Modesty’s.
Chapter Thirteen
Inside the coach waiting outside the lavish, posh townhouse, Stokes eyes narrowed when the woman he sent inside was
tossed out the door. He cursed long and loudly, knowing by the expression on her face she’d failed. Damn it, how had it not succeeded, it had been foolproof. Now it was no longer a matter of choice, the duke must die and swiftly. After last night, he’d given a lot of thought to the matter and since Anderson had caused this mess in the first place, it was his responsibility to clean it up.
Giving instructions to his driver the coach took off, he ignored the woman’s cry of distress and frantic waving as the vehicle drove past her. It was her own fault for botching such an easy task and she could find her own way back home. He would deal with her later at the moment his mind was occupied with more important matters to give her a second thought.
Though Anderson would probably try to refuse, but he wasn’t going to let the man off the hook. He would see the fool ruined if he didn’t agree. After a short ride, he reached his destination and alighted the coach. Walking up the steps, he picked up the knocker and let it drop seconds later when the door opened, he stepped inside. “Tell lord Anderson that sir Stokes wishes to see him on an urgent matter.” Within moments the butler returned and he followed the servant into the study. “It’s time you paid a little something on your large debt.”
Allen surged out of his chair. “What… what do you mean?” His voice trembled in fear.
Without waiting for permission or an invitation, Ronald sat down and steepled his fingers on his chest, a chilling smile curved his mouth. “You are going to dispose of your son-in-law. Lucky for you I’m feeling generous and will give you until tomorrow to see the deed done.”
In utter horror and panic, Allan sank back down into his chair. His eyes full of terror he could only stare back at the man who held his very existence in his unscrupulous hands. “What you’re asking me to do is madness. We’ll never get away with it. How do you expect me to accomplish it without being blamed for his murder and in such a short time?”
“Ah, that will be your problem, so think very carefully and make certain no one sees you or suspects you. Surely you have several acquaintances that would vouch for your whereabouts. Just make sure you get the job done. Once you kill him, I’ll have some men break into his house and kidnap your daughter. I’ll have her taken to a lovely estate I own several hours from London and there we will be wed. Once the ceremony is over your debt will be cleared in full. If you fail to carry out the task, I’ll have no other choice, but insist you pay the full amount you owe me.” Ronald explained.
Desperate as he was, Allan balked at cold-blooded murder, but staring at Stokes, he knew it was no idle threat. He would be dragged off to debtor’s prison tomorrow evening if he didn’t comply. In the end, he knew there was no choice, he would have to kill the duke. “Very well. I’ll see that it’s done.”
“Good. I knew I could count on you.” Rising to his feet, Ronald walked over to the door. “Don’t fail me.” He warned as he opened the door and stepped out of the room. Wearing a chilling smirk, he left the house and entered his coach after giving the driver instructions. Laughing, he made himself comfortable on the soft, leather seat and rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Shortly he would have complete and utter control over lady Modesty.
The woman had not only rebuffed him, sneered at him one too many occasions, but she also refused his offer of marriage and ruined his plans. It was time she paid for her disrespect. If she had married him in the first place instead of running off to the condescending duke, he would have treated her with respect, but not now.
No doubt the man had bedded her many times and he was going to make her show him all that she had been taught to pleasure him. His mouth twisted in a snarl of furious rage over the fact that she had been soiled by the despicable duke. Oh yes, she was going to suffer and he intended that she would regret her decision for the rest of her life.
When the coach pulled up outside his office of business, he swung down from the vehicle and strode inside, he stopped briefly in front of his secretary. “Find, Roger and his gang. Tell them I want to see them now.” Not waiting to see if he was obeyed, he continued into his lavish room and sat down behind his desk. Rubbing his chin, he thoughtfully considered what could go wrong with the plan; surely, Anderson could accomplish killing the duke without being identified or caught.
The only thing that could go wrong was if the man failed or if there was a witness, no doubt Anderson would sing like a bird and would lay the blame at his door if the incompetent fool was arrested. It was imperative that if there was any chance it should happen the idiot be taken care of before he could talk.
There could be no road leading back to him if this failed, if it did, he knew he’d never have another chance of possessing the woman. He would probably also have to lay low for a while until things cooled down. Thumbing his fist down on the desk in irate frustration knowing that this was his last chance.
If things went wrong no one could know of his involvement, though he suspected the duke might believe he was behind each plan to tear their marriage apart or eliminate him, the man had no proof. That idiot Wingate had already been shipped off to Paris and as for lady Hollensbrook, she would also be going on a nice little trip.
Gambling that Anderson succeeded, the man would be visiting one of his country estates, if he botched the job, he wouldn’t live long enough to squeal. That left his own future undecided until tomorrow evening.
It was imperative though that he make arrangements to flee the country just in case everything went wrong. Whatever the outcome he would be safe, the only thing was he would have lost lady Modesty and his plans would have failed. But there was always next season and other lovely, innocent chits to choose from and nothing or no one would stop him reaching his goal.
***
After greeting his guest, Killian made the man comfortable while they waited for his wife to make an appearance. Though he would like to handle this matter on his own, he knew Modesty would be furious if she wasn’t involved. When the door opened and she stepped inside longing gripped his insides. Hell, every time he saw her, the desperation to make love to her only intensified. He knew it wouldn’t be long before he couldn’t contain his lust any longer, but he also knew if he didn’t, he’d only frighten her. The smile she gave the detective nearly knocked the poor sod off his feet and he grimaced in annoyance. “Sit down, sweetheart.”
With a bright smile wreathing her face, Modesty stepped inside the study and saw her husband and visitor rise to their feet. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am so pleased you could take the time to call Mister Munroe. I have heard how very good you are at your job. I’m hoping you will help us and I’ll let my husband explain the situation to you.” Obeying her husband she fussed with her gown and sat primly in her chair
His brows shot up when she played the dutiful wife and instantly did as he asked. Now what was she playing at? but he dismissed the question for now. “Thank you for letting me explain.” When the detective retook his seat, he returned to his own and cleared his throat. “I don’t know if you know of a cit by the name of sir Ronald Stokes. It seems the man has a bad case of infatuation with my wife. He also holds the markers of gambling debts to a great many powerful people, including her father.”
“Aye, I’ve heard of him. The blighter paid a hefty bribe for the title. Nasty man with a mean reputation. Bad news if you fall into his clutches and owe him money.” Monroe nodded and let the duke continue explaining.
“I don’t doubt he would have come by it the unscrupulous way. I agree with the assessment of his character. The duchess’s father owes the cur a considerable amount of money and for payment Stokes wanted her for his wife. Her Grace had other ideas and came to me. As you’re probably aware of since everyone in London knows we have been betrothed for years. It was imperative we wed quickly, but it hasn’t deterred the man from trying to destroy our marriage and though he has failed, it’s doubtful he’s going to give up. What I… we want is for you to dig into his past find out everything you can, no matter how insignificant you migh
t think it is.” Once he finished speaking, Killian leaned back in his chair and waited for an answer.
A thoughtful rub of his jaw, Monroe gaze met the duke’s intense one. “Several months ago, a certain lord asked me to investigate the man, but I stopped when he died suddenly. Always suspected it wasn’t of natural causes. I can pick up where I left off. Might take a week or two before I finish though.”
“That’s fine, but rush it if you can. We’ll be leaving London at the end of the week and staying at my country estate in Kingston if you need to contact us.” Killian eyed his wife briefly and saw her scowling.
“I’ll get onto it right away. If I have anything of importance I’ll send word immediately.” Rising to his feet, Monroe bowed and straightened up. “Good day, Duchess, your Grace.”
“Thank you, Mister Monroe and I wish you every success.” Modesty smiled warmly and watched the man stride out of the room, then turned to her husband. “When were you going to inform me that we were leaving London?”
“I was considering it last night, then made my mind up after this morning’s debacle. You’re not upset leaving London before the end of the season, are you? There’s only a few weeks left anyway.” Killian had no idea why she was in a tizzy over it.
Slowly rising to her feet, she strolled over to stand beside his chair. “No, I’m more than ready to leave the city.” Reaching out she let her finger glide along his jawline. “You know, Killian, I am feeling a little weary. I think I might go upstairs and have a nice little nap.”
There was no missing the sultry invitation in her eyes and lust so powerful surged through him, he grasped hold of her wrist turned her hand over and kissed her palm. “Are you inviting me to join you, sweetheart?” He smiled wickedly. “So eager for your punishment?” When she nodded, he rose to his feet swept her up in his arms and started walking to the open door.
Embarrassed over what she was about to say, she ducked her head. “Does my punishment you know… um, do it?”
Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Page 12