Loving the Hawke (The Seven Curses of London Book 1)

by Williams, Lana

  “What of this one?” the madam asked. “She joined us only yesterday. She’s as fresh as the first snow.”

  “She’s quite lovely.” The portly, well-dressed man must’ve been in his early fifties. Certainly old enough to know better. “Yes, I’d prefer her.”

  “She’s twice the price as the other girl.”

  “That’s ridiculous. Why would one be worth more than the other?” the man sputtered as he stepped farther into the room.

  “She’s promised to another, and she’s younger, fresher.”

  Nathaniel’s stomach churned at her description.

  “Very well. She’ll do nicely.” He rubbed his hands together eagerly.

  “I’ll leave you two to become acquainted then.” She turned to the girl. “Anna, treat Mr. Jonesby real nice, just how we talked about it. He’s one of our best customers.”

  The anger surging through Nathaniel was difficult to control. The man had eyes only for the girl as the madam closed the door. Nathaniel saw no point in questioning him. He didn’t care to hear anything he had to say. As far as he was concerned, there was no excuse for his behavior.

  Anna’s gaze slid from the man to Nathaniel, and he turned to see what she looked at, catching sight of Nathaniel.

  Nathaniel’s anger erupted. Before Mr. Jonesby could utter a word, Nathaniel struck him over the head sharply with his cane. The man dropped to the floor like a sack of flour, landing with a loud thump.

  The girl bolted upright, eyes wide. “Did ye kill him?”

  “Unfortunately not, so we must hurry.” Perhaps he’d think twice about returning.

  She scrambled off the bed, obviously deciding that leaving with Nathaniel was a better option than anything that awaited her here. She stepped around the man on the floor, giving him as wide a berth as possible. Still staring down at him, she took Nathaniel’s hand. “He’s not nice.”

  “I would have to agree. Now let us get you out of here.” He opened the door and peered into the hall, relieved to find it empty.

  With his cane in one hand, and the girl’s hand in the other, he crossed the hall and made quick work of the lock on the door.

  A glance into the room revealed only a girl in it. Hoping to avoid alarming her, Nathaniel gestured for Anna to precede him. She hurried to where the girl lay on the bed. This one appeared to be asleep. When Anna shook her, she opened her eyes briefly only to close them again.

  “Wake up,” Anna demanded. “It’s time to go. We’ve been rescued.”

  The other girl’s eyes popped open. “Rescued?” The word was slightly slurred.

  Nathaniel frowned. How was he to get both girls out without raising the alarm, especially when one was barely coherent?

  Laughter and voices drifted up from the floor below. There was no time to waste.

  “Quickly now. We must be on our way,” he bid the girls.

  While Anna prodded the other girl to her feet, Nathaniel returned to the stairs, pleased to find the man he’d struck still unconscious. He lifted him under the arms and dragged him into the room as Anna and the other girl stepped into the hallway.

  “We must hurry,” Nathaniel told them both as he shut the door, leaving the unconscious man inside.

  Too late, Nathaniel caught sight of the horror on the other girl’s face. She burst into tears.

  “Shh,” Anna warned her sternly. “Come on with ye. Be brave like us.” Anna gestured to herself and Nathaniel, almost making him smile. Then she took the girl’s hand in her own. Nathaniel could’ve hugged her.

  “Follow me,” he directed as he hurried to the stairs, glancing over his shoulder to make certain no one followed. As they neared the landing of the first floor, he said, “Stay close.”

  He drew a breath of relief when he saw the hall was empty then continued down the stairs.

  “What the—” A man stared in surprise at Nathaniel as he reached the main level, the girls directly behind him.

  Nathaniel hesitated to strike him while the girls watched. They’d witnessed enough terrible things during their stay. “I’m taking them out for some fresh air,” he told the man, doing his best to act casual as he gestured for the girls to keep moving to the back door and freedom.

  “Says who?” he asked as he closed the door to the kitchen and approached Nathaniel.

  “Me. They’ve been cooped inside far too long.” Nathaniel shifted so he was between the man and the girls who had now reached the door.

  “Ye need to approve that with Brigger before ye take ’em anywhere.” The man started to turn away as though to find Brigger himself.

  “I already did,” Nathaniel said. He gestured for Anna to open the door.

  “I don’t think—”

  Nathaniel didn’t allow him to finish the thought but struck him with his cane alongside the head. The man howled in pain as he bent over. Wanting to shut him up, Nathaniel struck him again on the back of the head. The man slid bonelessly to the floor, quiet at last.

  A quick glance down the hall showed no one else coming, but Nathaniel knew that would be short lived. The rush of footsteps sounded so he hurried out the door to find the girls waiting outside at the foot of the stairs. He held the door closed, listening. A muffled oath sounded when the unconscious man was discovered.

  Nathaniel held the knob loosely, waiting for the feel of it turning. As the door began to open, he shoved hard with his shoulder. The door caught their pursuer unaware. Nathaniel repeated the gesture, pulling the door forward then shoving it back. By the solid thump, he guessed he’d hit something hard. Hopefully it had been the man’s head. He risked a glance inside and confirmed his suspicion. A man lay sprawled on the floor near the door.

  Where one pursuer was, another was certain to follow. Nathaniel closed the door and extinguished the gas light, leaving the entrance in darkness then turned toward the girls.

  But they were gone.

  Heart pounding, he hurried through the dark garden to the gate, searching as he went but still didn’t find them.

  “Anna?” he softly called out.

  Only silence reached him. He passed through the gate and latched it, using his knife to twist the closure so it couldn’t be easily opened. Anything to give them a few more minutes to make their escape. Assuming he could find the girls.

  He looked up and down the alleyway but caught no sight of the small forms dressed all in white. His little ghosts were gone. He left the brothel behind, hoping he was taking the most logical path out of the area.

  But he couldn’t find the girls anywhere.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “It is in the infant labour market especially that this new and dashing spirit of commercial enterprise exercises itself chiefly. There are many kinds of labour that require no application of muscular strength; all that is requisite is dexterity and lightness of touch, and these with most children are natural gifts.”

  ~ The Seven Curses of London

  After Nathaniel left the ball, Lettie searched for Julia, hoping to speak with her again to find out more about the mysterious captain, but to no avail. The more Lettie learned of him, the more intrigued she was. Odd how thinking of him as a military hero was so intimidating. She had been prepared to argue with Mr. Hawke but was more compelled to heed the captain’s requests.

  Why hadn’t he told her his true identity? She could understand why he hadn’t at their first meeting, but why had he allowed the misconception to continue that evening at the ball? Did his military rank not matter to him? Or did he not care what she believed about him?

  The latter thought was the more logical of the two but certainly didn’t please her. Her focus needed to remain on his involvement with her goal rather than how many secrets his blue eyes held.

  Why was he appearing in the same areas of the city as she? She should’ve pursued answers to that question during their dance. With a lift of her chin, she promised herself to ask him next time she saw him and not become distracted by the way he made her feel.

&n
bsp; In truth, she wasn’t used to speaking to a man such as he. It was no wonder that when he studied her so closely, she lost all her wits.

  Did Rose have the same experience when her duke looked at her?

  With a shake of her head, she reminded herself there was no comparison between the two. The duke was courting Rose, while the captain—

  She stopped short. In truth, she had no idea what he was doing. Certainly not courting her. Perhaps warning her would be a better description. Or berating her. It was difficult to say.

  At last she spotted Julia not far from the ballroom entrance. As she stepped forward, anxious to speak with her, Dalia placed a hand on her arm.

  “I noted you shaking your head and frowning from across the room,” she said. “People are going to start talking if you continue to act so oddly.”

  Lettie scowled at her sister both for her comment and for interrupting her hope to speak with Julia. “I suppose I forgot I wasn’t invisible.”

  Dalia looped her arm through hers. “Never say such a thing. You are a wonder, and I refuse to allow you to forget it.”

  Lettie could only raise her brow. Dalia wasn’t always kind. She spoke with blunt honesty that put off many people despite their mother’s attempt to curb it. This sudden compliment made Lettie suspicious.

  “What?” Dalia protested, eyes wide. “I truly adore you and I want you to know it.”

  “What is it you need?” Lettie asked cautiously, one eye still on Julia, hoping she didn’t leave before Lettie had a chance to question her.

  Her sister scoffed in denial.

  Lettie waited, certain there had to be more to her comment than a simple compliment. Not that Dalia didn’t love her. But she knew her sister well.

  “I merely wondered if you’d care to ride in Hyde Park early tomorrow morning with me,” Dalia admitted.

  “Who are you meeting?”

  “Can’t I want to spend time with you?”

  “That is highly unlikely and we both know it. Explain yourself. Full details if you want me to consider agreeing.”

  Heaving a sigh, she admitted, “I intend to meet Mr. Brover there.”

  Lettie was even more suspicious. “Mother and Father wouldn’t like you to do so because...”

  “They haven’t yet met him.” The slight defensive edge to her sister’s tone raised more suspicions.

  Certain there was more to the story than Dalia was offering, Lettie tried to gather her patience. She wanted to speak with Julia, but once again, she had to put aside her personal wants and aid one of her sisters.

  After several more questions, Lettie unearthed the fact that the man was a second son in a family with limited funds. Second sons of any sort were not to be considered as their mother would disapprove of such a relationship. Therefore, Lettie had to think long and hard about whether she should agree to accompany her. Encouraging rebellious behavior was not advisable.

  But something in the depth of Dalia’s dark eyes had her reconsidering. What if her sister was truly enamored with this young man? Shouldn’t she have a chance at love, if that was what this was? Lettie felt obligated to help, or at least determine if the young man was sincere or more interested in the modest dowry marrying Dalia would provide.

  “Very well. I will accompany you, but I want to meet him. And the pair of you must remain in sight at all times.” Lettie thought she owed her sister at least that much. “But if I don’t care for him I will be forced to warn Mother.”

  Dalia’s smile lit her face. “You’ll like him, I promise.” She briefly squeezed Lettie’s arm. “Thank you, dear Lettie. I truly don’t know what we’d do without you.”

  Convince a maid to serve as chaperone instead? The little voice in her head was not always nice. But part of it was true. It almost felt as if she were a maidenly aunt who served as chaperone when no one else was available.

  The idea hurt more than she cared to admit.

  No wonder she enjoyed dancing with Nathaniel. He didn’t make her feel spinsterish at all. With him, she felt vibrant and alive.

  Fresh determination filled her to speak with Julia. She had to learn more about him.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Julia,” Lettie said.

  “Of course. Thank you, Lettie,” Dalia responded with a smile before stepping away.

  But as Lettie moved toward Julia, her friend walked out the ballroom door, leaving Lettie standing alone in disappointment at the lost opportunity.

  How often had she put her family before her own wants? Too many times to count. This was simply one more. She swallowed hard, uncertain why tonight felt so painful.

  The rest of the evening passed slowly. She caught a glimpse of the man Dalia intended to meet when her sister spoke briefly with him near the refreshment table. She was certain it was him by the brightness of her sister’s smile. Lettie realized she wasn’t the only one who needed to work on better masking her emotions.

  When her mother at last signaled it was time to leave, she released a grateful sigh. She waited while her sisters gathered in the foyer, and their coach was called to take them home, surprised at the impatience filling her at the whole process.

  As always, her mother questioned each daughter for details on who they’d danced with or spoke to, either encouraging or discouraging as the case might be. Lettie listened long enough to note Dalia didn’t mention the man in whom she was interested.

  Her thoughts drifted as the conversation flowed around her. Perhaps it was best that Julia had left when she had. Lettie needed to put aside her curiosity about Nathaniel and focus on her original goal—to help someone. She had no choice but to take his threat seriously. If he mentioned to her father where she’d been, her mother was certain to hear about it as well. The two presented a united front to their daughters in all matters. Her father always sided with her mother even if he disagreed.

  How else could she help if she couldn’t venture to any of the areas where children in need lived? She had to determine a way to have them come to her. But how?

  The book had mentioned ads that a family might place in a newspaper if they were willing to give up their child for adoption. That might be another way to find someone who could use her assistance. Obviously, Lettie couldn’t adopt the child, but contacting such a family might provide a way for her to find a child to help. And she’d be keeping her word to Nathaniel.

  A rather sharp elbow found its way into her ribs, causing her to yelp.

  “Lettie, Mother has said your name three times now. What on earth is wrong with you?” Violet asked.

  “I’m sorry.” She offered a smile with her apology as she looked at her mother. “I’m tired, I suppose. What did you need?”

  “I wanted to know of your conversation with Captain Hawke.” The impatience in her mother’s voice raised Lettie’s guard.

  She should’ve realized her mother would discover his identity. After all these years of not having her mother’s attention, it was a shock to feel her scrutiny now.

  “Well,” Lettie began, searching for a valid reply. She couldn’t tell her they shared the same interest of helping those less fortunate. That would only bring about a lecture.

  Before Lettie could come up with an answer, her mother continued, “Who introduced you?”

  “Lady Julia. I happened to be speaking with her when he claimed his dance with her.” Lettie held her breath while she waited to see if her mother believed her.

  “Odd. I didn’t see Lady Julia dancing with him. Only you.”

  Lettie glanced down at her lap, well aware that if she met her mother’s gaze, she’d know Lettie wasn’t telling the truth. Lettie was a poor liar in addition to not being good at hiding her emotions. One more fault on which she needed to work.

  “Lady Julia’s father is under the weather again. Poor dear,” Lettie said, hoping to cast her mother’s focus elsewhere.

  “I’m surprised he’s survived this long. He seems to have one illness after another. It’s very k
ind of you to befriend her, Lettie.

  Lettie wanted to laugh. If anyone was kind, it was Julia.

  “She has excellent taste in fashion,” her mother continued. “I wonder who her dressmaker is.”

  The conversation continued to other topics, allowing Lettie to breathe a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to draw her mother’s attention now. Not when she was on the verge of action. Granted, her mother wouldn’t approve of those activities, but Lettie didn’t care.

  She wanted to make a difference, and for once, she was going to do what she wanted.

  ~*~

  “Girls? Anna?” Nathaniel called out softly. He knew the men from the brothel would burst out the rear entrance any moment and didn’t want to draw their notice. But he also feared the girls had already been caught. Where could they be?

  He strode past the rear entrance of two other houses before noting one had an unlatched gate. Easing it open, he called again, searching for their white gowns in the dim light.

  “Here,” a voice answered. The girls rose from their hiding place.

  The relief he felt weakened his legs. He didn’t care to question why it had become so important that this mission was successful, but it was.

  “Allow us to hurry before they start searching,” Nathaniel said, gesturing for them to come before realizing they probably couldn’t see him in his dark clothing. “Come along.”

  The girls hurried forward, holding hands and shivering in the cool night air.

  Anna placed her hand in his. “We’re ready, sir.”

  The gravity of the situation struck him once more as he looked at the two expectant faces. He would do all in his power to save them. They could not be taken again. As he led them out of the gate, he made certain to leave it slightly ajar. Perhaps their pursuers would see it and stop to search the garden.

  “I’m going to ask you to walk as quickly as you can for a time,” he whispered.

  Without waiting for their reply, he lengthened his stride, his injured thigh already protesting despite the assistance of his cane. He’d already walked too far and the altercation in the brothel had worsened it. He ignored the pain, casting his thoughts to where they could hide or if they should search for a cab. The best way to deal with the pain was to focus on something else as he’d learned on his many military missions.