Racing with the Wind (Agents of the Crown)

by Regan Walker

  As the guard at the front of the house could not see him, and he’d seen no movement at the back, Hugh swung his leg over a low branch and began to climb. The first bit was easy, as the heavier branches were easily scaled, but when he crossed to the thinner limb touching the house, it swayed with his weight. He grabbed the ledge to steady himself and checked the window. It was not locked, and the room behind looked dark. Relieved, he climbed inside.

  Crossing a rug, he carefully listened and then opened a door to a hall. Voices in muted tones came from below stairs, but no sounds emerged from the room just a bit farther down the corridor where light spilled from a door left ajar. Hugh crept forward and peered into that light.

  The first thing he saw was Mary. She lay on the floor, her eyes closed and her body at an odd angle. Was she alive? He took a quick step in and found his eyes drawn to another set of legs, those of a man wearing fine cloth trousers and lying on the floor. The vicomte?

  He had seen enough. He suspected if Mary and the vicomte were alive, there might be a guard. Surprise was his only friend. He steeled himself for what he might discover and, drawing his pistol, kicked open the door.

  The guard who had been seated behind the door rose abruptly to meet him, pistol extended. “Drop it!” Hugh shouted. He eyed Mary with an anxiety he could not hide.

  The guard recoiled but did not lower his weapon. Then suddenly he jerked the pistol from its aim at Hugh to Mary where she lay on the floor. “I can see yer fond of the woman. She’s alive, but unless ye drop that pistol I’ll shoot the bitch in the head.”

  A loud crash sounded from the first floor, then shouts and pistol shots. The guard was distracted for only a moment, but it was all Hugh needed. He fired and sent the guard’s weapon sailing from his hand and across the room. The guard cursed and drew his bleeding wrist to his chest, so Hugh cast his own pistol aside and smashed him in the face, knocking the Prussian to the floor.

  Hugh heard someone running down the hall toward him, and Martin rushed into the room. “Need any help here?” He glanced down at the guard, who was unconscious. “I’m thinking the answer is no.”

  As Hugh knelt beside Mary, he said to Martin, “Are things under control downstairs?”

  “Yes, well in hand.” Martin pushed the Prussian forward, keeping one hand on the man’s shoulder and a pistol in his back. “There were four of them besides the guard. Three men are wounded. One is ours. The guard is out cold on the front steps.”

  Hugh took in his friend’s words as he drew close to Mary, not believing what he saw. His golden girl lay quiet. Panic tore at his heart. He could not lose her.

  Feeling for a pulse, he allowed relief to flood his mind when he found a steady beat. He slapped her gently on the cheek. Mary moaned and slowly opened her eyes.

  “Hugh?” she whispered on a ragged breath, as her green eyes looked into his.

  “Mary,” he said, relieved. Carefully, he lifted her head and cradled it against his chest.

  “Oh, Hugh.” She threw her arms around him and pulled him close. “It was so awful. Those men—”

  “They can’t hurt you now, you’re safe.” Hugh held her for a long moment then reluctantly pulled back to search her face. “Are you hurt?”

  “He…he hit me.” She touched the side of her face and winced. “But I’m all right.”

  Behind them, Martin cleared his throat, reminding Hugh he was there. Hugh helped Mary to stand, his arm tight around her, and turned. “Lady Mary, allow me to introduce you to my good friend and colleague, Sir Martin Powell. In France, however, he is known as Martin Donet. Sir Martin, may I present Lady Mary Campbell, Lord Baynes’s niece.”

  Mary smiled shyly. “Hello, Sir Martin—or shall it be Monsieur Donet?”

  “My pleasure to meet you, Lady Mary,” Martin said, smiling warmly in return. “And you can call me Monsieur Donet. Best not to mention I’m a Powell while you are in Paris.”

  Hugh grew impatient. Mary didn’t need another suitor, especially not one so attractive to the ladies as this ebon-haired, blue-eyed spy. “Martin, can you deal with that one?” He gestured at the Prussian lying unconscious on the floor.

  Martin stepped forward and nudged the Prussian roughly with his boot. The man groaned and then awakened and gripped his bleeding wrist.

  “Get up,” said Martin. There was no sympathy in his voice. He forced the man to rise, pulling him up by his good arm.

  Hugh held Mary to his chest. She was still wobbly on her feet.

  “You came for me,” she whispered. “How did you find me?”

  “It was Martin’s good work. The Prussians and Napoleon supporters have been using this house for some time as a kind of headquarters. We were fortunate our friends here did not take you somewhere else. But the important thing is that you are safe and I’m going to keep you that way.” He kissed the top of Mary’s head where it lay against his chest in what he knew was a possessive gesture.

  Martin spoke from behind him. “I will take this one down. Georges, though he is wounded, and Jerome are covering the others.”

  Hugh turned to watch his friend prod the Prussian through the door then regarded the one man still lying unconscious on the floor. “I suppose I’d best deal with Decazes,” he said.

  “They hit him twice, once over the head with a pistol,” Mary remarked as he let go of her to bend over the unconscious man. Hugh unhappily detected worry in her voice. “He’s been out the whole time since we were taken.”

  Given a good shake, Decazes woke with a moan. Hugh untied his hands and feet, and the vicomte reached up to his injured head.

  “You have a knot but you’ll live,” Hugh said, not sure he was pleased by the prospect.

  The vicomte addressed Mary. “What…happened?”

  “Your plan seems to have gone awry,” Hugh muttered.

  “I didn’t plan this.” The vicomte examined the small study and sat up. “Lady Mary, have you been harmed?”

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’m glad you are with us again. You had me worried.” She turned to Hugh and announced, “They were expecting others, though, and soon, I think. They sent a messenger to some general when they first brought us here. That was hours ago. The messenger was to seek instructions as to what to do with us, and from what they said, I don’t believe they intended us to live. They think we know of their plans and we have seen their faces.”

  “Then our time here must be short.” Hugh helped Decazes to his feet and began to lead Mary toward the door. The vicomte followed.

  Suddenly Mary stopped. “Theresa Koller was here.” Then looking at Hugh, “She’s…she’s one of them!”

  Hugh frowned. “I knew her involvement was a possibility. It is most unfortunate.”

  Lord Baynes met them coming down the hall. The older man looked much relieved.

  “Uncle!”

  The diplomat reached for his niece, and Mary fell into his welcoming arms. “Thank God you’re safe,” he said.

  “No thanks to present company,” Hugh said, turning his glare upon Decazes.

  The vicomte shrank back. “I would never hurt Lady Mary,” he said softly. “I care for her immensely.”

  Hugh turned away. He had nothing but disdain for the French nobleman, who was clearly at the root of this mess. He intended to find out exactly how, and then he would deal with him, but for now some things would have to wait. “We’d best get you out of here, Lady Mary,” he said. “It won’t be long before they are hunting for you, especially because Theresa knows where you live.”

  Crossing the hallway, they descended the stairs. Hugh’s arm once again supported Mary, and her uncle followed with Decazes. Waiting downstairs was further evidence of the fight Hugh had only heard from above. Two Prussians were lying on the floor, bloodied from the scuffle. Above them stood Jerome, Martin’s assistant, and Georges. Though the latter had a wound in his upper arm, with his good hand he held a pistol.

  When the vicomte saw his servant, he looked serious. “You
have my gratitude, Georges, for joining in the rescue effort.”

  “I’m only glad we were in time, Vicomte. This bunch here”¬—he gestured to the Prussians on the floor with his pistol—“is nasty.”

  Hugh took charge, giving orders. To Martin he said, “We’ll need to question these men or see that the French do.”

  “Jerome and I can handle that,” said Martin. “Up with you!” he ordered the men on the floor. His voice brooked no dissent, and they rose without assistance.

  “I’ll see Lady Mary home,” said Hugh, but he had no intention of taking her there. Now that he had her, he wasn’t letting her go. Though, he would be having words with her for the risks she had taken.

  The sun was rising as they walked outside, Hugh’s arm around Mary’s waist. When they reached his horse, he lifted her into the saddle then mounted behind her, lifting her legs over his thigh. She leaned against his chest. Though she was fighting it, Hugh could tell she was near collapse. His wilted flower—she was so beautiful, and now she was safe. Anger lingered just below the surface of his calm, however. He’d come too close to losing the little adventurer.

  Lord Baynes had followed, riding next to them. Decazes, who still appeared somewhat dazed, rode with Georges some distance behind.

  Before long, they neared the road that led to the vicomte’s town house. Hugh glanced at Georges and asked, “Will you be able to see your master home?”

  “Oui, my lord. My wound is slight, and the master is much better.”

  “Very good,” Hugh said. “His head should be seen by a doctor—and your arm as well. Be careful to avoid any who might follow you. Our Prussian friends will be looking for the vicomte once they see no one at the house. It would be best to post a guard or two once you are home.”

  Georges nodded. “I will see to it, Sir.”

  Mary cast a concerned look at Decazes and said, “Take care of yourself.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Lady Mary,” the Frenchman replied. “It is you I’m concerned about.”

  Hugh saw the longing in the man’s eyes, but Decazes would never have her. In fact, he might never see her again. She had to leave to country. He could not risk the Prussians finding her. If they had planned to kill her, they would continue their hunt. He did not have enough men to guard her here. And, there was good reason for the Nighthawk to leave as well. He wondered what she would say when she learned he was not taking her back to her uncle’s town house.

  He turned to Lord Baynes as soon as the two Frenchmen had bid them au revoir. “I assume you agree it is not safe for her to return to your apartments. Our enemies will expect to find her there. With your permission, I think we should take her to my quarters first. They will not know to search for me. From there we can discuss what to do.”

  Lord Baynes nodded. “It seems the only wise course at this point. I’ll follow you.”

  They took side streets to avoid being seen. Mary leaned silent against his chest, her eyes closed. Her hip was pressed snugly against his groin and he had to fight his desire. He must think what next to do, for he had no idea how he would keep his hands off Mary in the days ahead. Having her so close was tempting him even now, despite the fact that her uncle was riding right beside them.

  Mary raised her head. “I just remembered. They talked of some plan involving the Tuileries Palace. They believed I knew what they were planning.”

  Hugh shook his head. “No. Stop. Martin will find out more when he questions them, and the French royalists have other ways of getting information. Trust me. You have done enough, Mary. More than enough. I’ll not have you involved in this any longer.”

  She seemed not to have heard. “But—”

  “No buts. You need to focus on doing what your uncle and I think best. It is only your safety that concerns me now.”

  She might have been exhausted and nursing a blow to her head, but she was ever the rebel; she would not give up the topic. “I don’t know how much the vicomte knows. He was never conscious. But they spoke as if they knew him. Do you think they mean to attack the Palace?”

  Hugh sighed. He supposed he would have to give her some answers if he was to gain her obedience. It was a price he would willingly pay for an intelligent woman. He supposed he would even pay more. “I don’t know, but that would not surprise me. If that is the case, your uncle can alert the king.” He glanced at Lord Baynes, who appeared exhausted as well. “They will go after General Kleist, I am certain, as well as the Frenchman Maurice. It was his house you were held in,” he reminded Mary. “We believe he is the leader of the Bonapartists. But one thing we know: You are in great danger.”

  * * *

  Glad for his warmth as they rode, Mary sank back against Hugh’s chest and drifted into a restless sleep. She woke only when they arrived at his lodgings. Hugh gently pulled her from the saddle and carried her into his town house. Immediately, she was offered a hot bath and allowed to sleep for a few hours. Now, clean and dressed, she sat in front of a fire. But awake all night, too afraid to fall asleep for long, she was still tired as she drank the cup of hot coffee Hugh’s manservant brought her.

  Hugh stood in front of a large window near her uncle. Mary watched. Sometime between last night and this morning, he had become her protector. She drank the hot liquid and listened to the men speak in low voices. Huddled before the crackling fire, she felt like a small child being ignored and discussed but was too tired to object

  Hugh’s face was serious. “She cannot remain in the city. From what she told me, they planned to kill both her and Decazes because they had knowledge of a planned attack of some kind on the king. And she has seen their faces. She is too easy a target remaining here. Then, too, Theresa Koller knows where you reside.”

  “Yes, of course you are right. She must leave Paris. I will need to stay at least for another day or two to deal with my obligations, though. I still have that meeting with Wellington. If you think it advisable, I can take some lodgings in a different location until I leave.”

  “That would be wise, until this is sorted out.”

  “Will you see Mary safely gone? You can travel sooner and faster without me.”

  “I could take her on horseback using safe houses—on side roads to Calais. I had Lambeth arrange for them before I left London, just on the chance we might need them.”

  Mary’s uncle nodded. “I’m glad you did. It is probably the best choice now. You won’t be able to take the public coaches, nor any private ones. We do not know how many are involved in this treachery, nor where they might crop up. They will search the main roads.”

  “There is still the matter of Decazes,” Hugh said. “It is not clear what he knows or how deep in this he is. His own people can question him, but I want to have one of Martin’s men talk to him as well.”

  “No one knows the identity of the Nighthawk, do they?” Mary’s uncle asked.

  “No. But Martin tells me they are still searching for him.” Hugh glanced over at her. “I think we should leave as soon as we can. I’ll get Lady Mary some men’s clothes, which will help disguise her identity and allow her to ride astride for speed. I would like to make Beauvais tonight.”

  As the men talked, Mary’s gaze drifted around the room seeking some hint of Hugh in the furnishings. The colors reminded her of him; they were dark and very masculine. The chair she sat in was one of two French chairs flanking the fireplace. Its seat and back were covered in rich brown suede leather, and between the chairs stood a small round pedestal table holding two glasses and a crystal decanter of brandy. Cases lined the walls with leather-bound books.

  Though Mary would have liked nothing better than a bed, she suddenly realized the adventure was not over. What had Hugh meant by “safe houses”? She wanted to ask, but right now she was too guilty for her own actions that may have precipitated the Prussians seizing her and Decazes. She set down her coffee and addressed the two men.

  “I’m sorry to have caused you all this trouble.”

  Her
uncle gave her a kind look. “Though I’m as displeased with the risks you took as Lord Ormond, the result of your efforts is admirable,” he said. “Your motives were good, and for my own part I did not discourage you as I should have. I’ll not dwell on the past when just now my concern is to see you safely home. I trust Lord Ormond to do that.”

  Hugh’s gaze fixed on her, his dark eyes determined. It would have been fair for him to remind her of his warnings, and she suspected she’d not heard the last of his ranting, but for now he desisted. She was glad. If she had to do everything over again, she would not have changed anything—except for getting caught. But she could not forget that he had come for her. He had saved her. She loved him for that. She’d never had a man to lean on like that before and it felt right. He felt right.

  Her uncle spoke up. “The thought of Mary and you on the run being chased by Prussians is not a comforting one, but if anyone can see her safely back to London, it is you. Guard her with your life, Ormond.”

  Lord Ormond nodded. “I will not fail you—or her.”

  Leaning in closer, her uncle added something else that Mary barely heard. “I expect you to guard her honor as well.”

  “I will,” Hugh said.

  “If I’m asked,” her uncle continued, speaking normally again, “I’ll explain she had to leave suddenly due to an illness of her mother.” A slight smile crossed his face then, one that Mary did not understand.

  She rose and went to hug him. “Thank you, Uncle, for not scolding me. I love you.”

  Hugh stepped forward and patted her uncle’s shoulder. “If all goes well, we will be in London when you return. Safe and sound.”

  Hugh’s friend Martin Donet arrived shortly after that. He greeted Mary and then asked to speak privately with Hugh, leaving her with her uncle. Mary began to revive with breakfast and changed into the stable boy’s clothes Hugh’s butler managed to find. Arranging her hair in a single plait, she tucked it into a cap that came with the clothes. There were also nicely fitting boots, but the breeches were a bit snug. Hugh smiled when he saw them.

  There wasn’t time for her to retrieve her toiletries, so a maid gave her a comb and a toothbrush. After that, all was done that could be done, so she kissed her uncle goodbye and exited with Hugh through a side door to find two horses saddled and waiting.