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

by Williams, Lana

  Her nerves worsened when she caught sight of her mother in the room as well. Somehow, that made it all the more real.

  Movement from the corner caught her attention, and she glanced over to see Nathaniel standing there. His presence was incredibly reassuring. Her nerves eased as his gaze held hers.

  “Letitia, I’m sure you know why Captain Hawke is here,” her father said.

  “Yes, I believe I do.”

  “The captain and I have come to an agreement, assuming you wish to marry him.”

  Lettie’s breath hitched at the word. No, she reminded herself. This is only a temporary business arrangement. She rephrased her father’s words in her mind, repeating them over and over. And wish to enter into a temporary business arrangement with him.

  Her father’s eyes narrowed at her hesitation. She’d taken too long before answering. She gathered herself with a stern reminder that she needed to pretend this was real. With effort, she smiled. “I’d be honored to marry the captain.”

  Nathaniel came forward and took her hand in his. By the look in his eyes, she could tell she was being less than convincing.

  “Are you quite certain this is what you want, Lettie?” her mother asked. She eyed Nathaniel with what could be called suspicion.

  From the expression on Nathaniel’s face, he’d noted it as well.

  That straightened Lettie’s spine and firmed her determination. “Yes, I have become quite fond of Nathaniel.”

  Nathaniel’s eyes widened ever so slightly as though startled at her admission. Or perhaps it was the honesty in her words that had struck him. She couldn’t help but wonder why. Surely he knew she cared for him.

  A muscle bulged in his jaw before he spoke. “And I have grown to care for you as well.”

  Temporary business arrangement. She said the words in her mind once again, but it didn’t halt the butterflies fluttering about in her stomach. She swallowed hard, trying to rein back the longing attempting to spring forth.

  What she needed to remember were Alice and other girls like her.

  With as much strength as she could muster, she looked back to her father and smiled. “I’m delighted with his...proposal.”

  Her father frowned for a moment, worry crossing his features before he returned her smile. “Very well then. It’s settled.” He rose and crossed to the two of them, clasping Nathaniel’s hand firmly before drawing Lettie into his embrace. “Congratulations to you both.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Nathaniel said.

  Her mother rose and smoothed her skirts before drawing near. “Well then, we have much to do, don’t we?” She glanced back and forth between them. “Oh, Rose needs the crystal necklace to wear with her gown this evening. Do you know where that is?”

  Lettie’s heart twisted. Some things would never change. She needed to remember that. “I’ll find it for her.”

  “I’m sure you’d like to wish us well,” Nathaniel said to her mother, surprising Lettie by standing up for her.

  “She does,” Lettie defended her mother, uncomfortable as she stood between the two. No one had ever attempted to do that before. She had no idea how to react.

  “Of course.” Her mother smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m certain we’ll be seeing more of you,” she said with a nod at Nathaniel.

  Lettie felt the weight of Nathaniel’s gaze as he said his goodbyes, but she didn’t met his eyes, too afraid he’d see the secret she held deep inside—that her place in her family was also more of a business arrangement. It seemed that was what she was fated to do in her life, to serve in the capacity that most assisted others.

  Why did that hurt so much?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “Some are dogged and sullen-looking, and appear as though steeped to numbness in the comfortless doctrine, “What can’t be cured must be endured;” as if they had acquired a certain sort of surly relish for the sours of existence, and partook of them as a matter of course, without even a wry face.”

  ~ The Seven Curses of London

  Nathaniel’s anger had not cooled by the time he returned home.

  “Did it not go as planned?” Dibbles asked as he followed him into the library. Nathaniel had told him of his suggestion to Letitia that they pretend to be betrothed to better pursue the group of men engaged in the selling of young girls.

  “Yes, it went as planned. Her father seemed pleased, at least. Shocked, but pleased.”

  Dibbles waited, his hands folded before him, a sure sign he expected more information.

  “The mother treats Letitia more like hired help than a daughter. She didn’t offer her congratulations or any well wishes. She only wanted to know where some necklace was for Letitia’s younger sister. Obviously, the possibility of the sister receiving an offer from a duke far outweighs an actual offer from a captain who is merely a second son.”

  “Or it’s the daughter, not the suitor, who makes the difference to Miss Fairchild’s mother.”

  Nathaniel sat heavily in his desk chair as he pondered Dibbles’ point. He’d assumed Mrs. Fairchild’s behavior had to do with him, not Letitia. “How so?”

  “I do not know her well, but it seems to me that Miss Fairchild has a giving soul. She genuinely enjoys helping people, just as she helped Miss Alice. Her mother probably enjoys that same level of help from Miss Fairchild. Why would she want to give that up when she has four other daughters who all need something?”

  “Perhaps you’re right. But I would think any mother would treat a daughter as a treasure rather than the hired help.”

  “Indeed. Just as any father should treat a son as a treasure.”

  Nathaniel could only stare at the man who’d been with him for so many years.

  “But the temporary betrothal is in place?” Dibbles asked. At Nathaniel’s nod, he added, “You might wish to call upon your brother to share the news before he hears of it from someone else.”

  Nathaniel groaned. “If you think it’s necessary.”

  “It is. The question is, do you intend to tell him the truth?”

  He pondered Dibbles’ question. “I don’t believe so. He would only insist on knowing the details. Besides, my supposed engagement might urge him to marry as well.”

  A strange look crossed Dibbles’ face.

  “What is it?” Nathaniel asked, wondering what the butler knew that he didn’t.

  “There may be more to the earl’s avoidance of marriage than we suspect.”

  “Such as?” What could it be other than not having found the right woman to both catch his interest and keep the bloodline strong, which was something their father had always harped on?

  Dibbles shook his head. “I do not know. Your brother holds his secrets closely.”

  Nathaniel had only recently realized his brother had secrets, though in truth, he’d thought Tristan didn’t care enough for Nathaniel to share them. It was certainly something to consider.

  ~*~

  Lettie was amazed at how quickly word spread about the engagement over the next two days. People that she didn’t realize knew of her existence congratulated her everywhere she went. She even ran into someone at a bookstore where she was making inquiries who wished her well.

  The niggle of guilt that came with each well wish was growing, especially when they came from people she genuinely cared for.

  Julia had called upon her and been so kind, suggesting they celebrate by going shopping. Explaining the entire situation was out of the question, yet guilt plagued her at Julia’s excitement for her. She’d picked up Lettie in her carriage, and they’d driven to Bond Street to see Julia’s modiste.

  Lettie watched with interest at how Julia once again managed to convince others to do what she wanted with kindness and smiles from her footman to the bookstore owner and now to the modiste.

  “Miss Fairchild has just become engaged,” she told the woman enthusiastically. “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to request one of your beautiful gowns for her.”

>   Flattery was an amazing motivator, Lettie decided. She needed to remember that next time she wanted one of her sisters to do something.

  “I’m so envious. Now you can move away from all these silly pastels.” Julia glanced down at another of Lettie’s fawn-colored dresses as well as her own primrose gown then turned to the modiste. “What color do you think would best suit her?”

  “I would suggest an emerald green,” the woman said, after studying Lettie closely, much to her discomfort. “That would bring out her eyes and complement her alabaster skin.”

  Lettie frowned. “My eyes are hazel.” She knew it was rude to argue, but what was this woman thinking? How could her eyes look good with green? And her skin was pale compared to her sisters’ peaches and cream complexions. No one had ever suggested her skin was alabaster.

  “No, they have a lovely green ring around the pupil,” Julia argued as she looked at Lettie.

  Confused, Lettie stared into the mirror in the shop. What did the two women see that she didn’t?

  “Please step into the back where we can take your measurements,” the modiste, Mrs. Channing, directed.

  Before Lettie knew what was happening, the woman had stripped away her gown, declaring the fawn-colored dress ugly, had her assistant take her measurements, then hold up a partially completed gown of deep green to Lettie.

  “Yes,” Julia declared as she clapped her hands in delight. “That is perfect. Can we see a blue one as well?”

  Lettie continued to hold up the gown as the assistant left the room, staring into the mirror at the stranger looking back at her. The green was indeed a flattering color. But it was so different from what she normally wore that it just didn’t seem like her.

  “Julia,” she whispered when the modiste and her assistant stepped away. “I couldn’t possibly wear a gown like this.” She trailed her finger along the silk, amazed at the way the fabric shone from the light of the window.

  “Why not?” Julia asked, drawing nearer.

  “I—It would draw far too much attention. I would look like an ugly duckling dressed in swan’s feathers. It’s not me.”

  Julia turned Lettie toward the mirror again, looking over Lettie’s shoulder, motioning her to hold up the gown again. “Don’t you see? This is you. You’ve been hiding all along. I think love has transformed you, inside and out.”

  Lettie’s heart turned over in her chest as tears filled her eyes. Love. It was true. She did indeed love Nathaniel. How ironic that she’d at last found a man to care for but he didn’t love her in return. She had to find a way to rein in these feelings.

  This was a temporary business arrangement. She’d forgotten to say that to herself today.

  But how could she possibly explain all that to Julia? The last thing she wanted to do was draw attention to herself by changing her clothing, only to break off the engagement in two weeks time. How terribly embarrassing would that be? The thought of everyone staring at her with pity made her palms damp.

  “Julia—”

  “What better way to make certain the captain’s attention remains on you than to transform yourself? I can’t wait to hear about his reaction when he sees you in this. We all need a change sometimes. Your time is now.”

  Your time is now.

  She found repeating that phrase much more enjoyable than the other one.

  Julia’s excitement was contagious. Despite a nagging voice of doubt that told her all of this was nonsense since the engagement would soon be at end, she found herself nodding when Mrs. Channing returned with several other fabrics she thought would complement Lettie’s coloring. It had been some time since she’d had any new gowns. When Nathaniel exited her life, perhaps these new gowns would be a good way to enter spinsterhood.

  Mrs. Channing also suggested a variation to Lettie’s normal chignon, leaving the knot looser with wispy strands on either side of her face.

  “Oh, that makes your eyes look even bigger,” Julia exclaimed.

  By the time they left the shop, Lettie’s head was spinning. Would she be brave enough to wear the gown and change her hair for the next event?

  ~*~

  Nathaniel lingered on Blackfriars Bridge as the factories closed for the day and workers started filing across to return home, hoping to catch sight of Rutter.

  Langston had lost him the previous day, and the man had yet to resurface. To Nathaniel, that meant trouble. Rutter had been the key to signaling the group’s movements in the past. Langston had managed to identify one or two other men involved, but had yet to map their movements. Without more information, coming across them would be pure chance.

  Once again, Nathaniel acknowledged the need for more men in order to be effective at any attempt to stop those involved. Between the brothels that took the girls, the workhouses and areas such as this bridge that provided a supply of them, there were too many variables to find patterns to the movements of the group.

  As far as Nathaniel knew, others ships might be taking the girls to Brussels besides Warenton’s. His frustration was building as he knew girls were being taken each day. Soon the new brothel would open that was rumored to specialize in virgins. Christ only knew what that meant.

  Their best hope would be to determine a way to land a bigger blow to the organization. That meant either capturing one of the leaders or severing their financial means. At this point, Nathaniel didn’t have the capacity to do either. If only he could trust the authorities with this, but since Rutter had already escaped jail twice, they knew more than one person on the police force was involved.

  Langston had asked around at a few of the pubs to see if anyone knew Jasper Smithby. Those he’d spoken with had denied it, but based on the uncomfortable reaction he’d received from a few, Langston had surmised the man was known but no one was willing to talk about him. He’d also tried his remaining contacts on the police department but thus far, that hadn’t resulted in any assistance.

  If they couldn’t find Smithby, they couldn’t stop him.

  Nathaniel realized one other option existed that he hadn’t considered until now. If he was enough of a thorn in Smithby’s side, perhaps the man would come to him. That potential solution was problematic as it meant drawing the man’s attention. Doing so would draw greater risk to himself, Langston, and Letitia.

  Normally, he didn’t mind taking risks, but not when Letitia was one of those who might be in danger. He refused to consider the chance. While becoming betrothed had offered her protection from gossip, it may have put her in more danger. He hadn’t realized that until now.

  “Damn.” Since when was he willing to sacrifice a mission to protect one individual? Unease settled low in his belly. Since he’d grown to care for Letitia, he realized. That shifted his priorities.

  Surely she’d be safe in her family’s home, which was filled with people and servants. But Smithby was bold. He’d had Teddy’s body dumped on Nathaniel’s step in broad daylight. That was an act of a man who considered himself above the law.

  Until a more obvious solution appeared, Nathaniel could only continue to watch for men who might be working for Smithby. They would be obvious by their presence in places such as this one, especially if they approached girls leaving the factory.

  And if he could cause a few problems when he found some of those men, that would be all the better. He’d take a cautious approach and hope additional information surfaced.

  More and more workers crossed the bridge, most of them young girls. This time, he’d selected a new spot from which to watch. He didn’t want to be too predictable.

  His attire had also changed with a different color jacket and hat from the last time he’d been on the street. He hoped it would make him less noticeable. Of course, there was little he could do to disguise his limp.

  The hour was growing late when a man emerged from one of the nearby buildings and walked toward the bridge. Nathaniel’s attention was immediately caught. He waited where he was, trying to determine what was happening from a dis
tance. He’d promised to attend the ball where Letitia would be tonight and didn’t want to risk ending up in a physical altercation with the large man. She would not be pleased if he was delayed.

  Just the thought of her was a distraction. He continually reminded himself their betrothal was not real. If only his body would remember that. Some part of him seemed to believe she was now his. An odd possessiveness had come over him as the hours had passed, the knowledge that she was his—however false—growing.

  Telling his brother had been more difficult than he’d expected. After all, Tristan was the one who’d brought it to his attention that people were talking. But his brother had questioned his motive for offering for Letitia. He’d pushed and prodded for the truth, despite Nathaniel’s attempt to try to make it a casual announcement.

  His attention returned to the man, who now spoke with a young girl. Not too far away, two other girls stopped to talk to a young street urchin. But when the lad looked over his shoulder and pointed at the other man, Nathaniel knew the two were connected. Now they were involving young boys in the scheme as well? Damn. What would they devise next?

  The organization had to be stopped before it gained more ground. But how? He strode forward to see what minor problem he could create to disrupt their conversations with the girls.

  ~*~

  Lettie descended the stairs of her home that evening, nerves fluttering. She’d been the last to prepare for the ball, as was always the case. But tonight, she’d done so deliberately. She knew her mother would be unhappy at her new appearance. The time had arrived to leave, so there was little she could do about it. Changing would delay their arrival too long.

  This evening, she wore the emerald green gown the modiste had quickly finished and sent over. The design was deceptively simple—no ruffles or bows in sight. It complemented Lettie’s curves without being vulgar. The neckline was lower than what she was accustomed to, but still well within the realm of modest.

  Her hair was swept to the side with a soft wave along her forehead and several curled strands loose to frame her face. The only jewelry she wore was a diamond comb in her hair that her aunt had presented her with on her twenty-first birthday.