Tenacious Trents 03 - A Reluctant Rake

by Jane Charles

  She wasn’t going to answer any more of the woman’s questions and she needed to think of a way to get rid of her. “Why are you out? Shopping?”

  “Oh, no,” Millicent shook her head. “I am on my way to the country for a few days. You really should join me.”

  Audrey moved to disengage her arm from Millicent’s but the woman had a tight hold on her. Something wasn’t right and Audrey felt the need to get away from her former friend. Then again, something hadn’t been right with Millicent for a long time but that didn’t mean the woman was dangerous. “Well, I will let you be on your way.” She tried again to break free but Millicent was stronger than Audrey realized.

  “Not yet, I have time.” She smiled at Audrey though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Besides, there is something I wish to show you.”

  Whatever it was Audrey did not want to see it. The panic grew yet Millicent had not given Audrey a reason to fear, other than she wouldn’t let go of her arm.

  “It is right here in my carriage.”

  “What is it?” Audrey asked as she tried to slow her steps and looked toward the entrance of the Park and behind her. Where was Jordan? As much as she didn’t wish to see Millicent fawning all over Jordan she would rather he was here, helping her out of this predicament.

  The carriage loomed before them. Millicent’s trunk was on the back. The driver sat in the seat but there was no footman to assist.

  “Please be a dear and open the door.”

  Audrey looked at her. “I am sure you can manage well enough.

  Her heart began to pound and she frantically glanced about. Where was everyone? It wasn’t the fashionable hour to be seen in the park but surely someone should be here. If she screamed would the driver help? Would anyone in the carriages stop to assist? But what if Millicent only wanted to show her a new parasol or hat?

  The incidents of Lady Rothsbury and Angelique being injured, along with Jordan being in prison had simply upset her nerves. Just because Millicent wanted her fiancé for herself didn’t mean she would do harm to Audrey. Certainly she would laugh about this in a few hours.

  Slowly she reached forward and grabbed the handle of the door.

  “Isn’t it lovely?” Millicent asked.

  Audrey glanced into the carriage. She had seen it and been inside before. “What?”

  Millicent laughed.

  “The table with the holders”

  What was she talking about? Audrey leaned in. Against the opposite side was a small table bolted to the floor of the carriage and against the side. Holes were cut in the wood top to accommodate a carafe and separate holes for glasses.

  “It makes travel so much nicer,” Millicent continued. “I can enjoy a glass of wine, or tea if I wish, though tea doesn’t stay warm because I tried it, and I don’t have to worry about anything being spilled. It is wonderful for longer trips.”

  Audrey supposed it would be nice to have such a convenience in the carriage and her pulse began to calm. Of course Millicent wanted to show her the newest purchase or design. Millicent always purchased the newest items and obtained anything that was all the rage at the moment. However, Audrey wondered at the inconvenience. By having the table in such a place there were less seats. Of course, it was only Millicent, her husband and one small child at the moment so it wasn’t as if she needed all that much room. Besides, the infant probably rode with the nursery maid in a separate carriage if they ever traveled together.

  “I designed it myself, with the help of one of our servants. I am sure it will be all the rage once I can show everyone.” She gave Audrey a little shove. “Go on, take a closer look.”

  Audrey glanced back one more time to make sure Jordan hadn’t arrived. If he wasn’t here by the time Millicent was gone she was returning home. No, she would go to his house and demand an explanation.

  What if he was sick? She had heard of fevers developing from being in prison. What if it had come on quickly and she had left before another note could be delivered.

  Audrey took a step back. She could look at the inside of the carriage at a later date; she needed to check on Jordan.

  “Audrey,” Millicent whined.

  The tone grated on Audrey but she said nothing. If she went along then perhaps Millicent would be gone soon and Audrey could go to Jordan.

  She stepped inside of the plush coach and sank down on the cushioned seats. Millicent did know how to travel in comfort.

  Millicent picked up the carafe and poured wine into a small crystal glass. “Share a glass with me in celebration.”

  If this is what it took to get away from her, Audrey would do what the woman asked. She placed the crystal to her lips and sniffed then drew back. “What is this?”

  “Whisky. It is Jordan’s favorite.”

  Audrey eyed her askance. Ladies did not drink whisky. When had Millicent developed that particular habit?

  “I won’t tell if you don’t. Have a sip, but slowly.”

  She doubted that Millicent had any idea what Jordan preferred to drink but Audrey humored her. Besides, she had never tasted whisky and was a bit curious.

  She took a tentative sip. It was bitter and burned on the way down her throat. “Gentlemen like this.” She tried to hand the glass back to Millicent. Instead her friend lifted another goblet and poured some into her own.

  “It only burns the first few times, and then it is warm and comforting.

  Audrey seriously doubted the taste would improve but she took another sip. This one wasn’t so harsh.

  “See, I told you,” Millicent said as she lifted the crystal to her lips.

  Audrey took another drink. There wasn’t much left and as soon as it was gone she could escape this place. She drained the glass and moved to place it on the odd little table.

  Goodness, she was dizzy all of a sudden. Is this what happened to gentlemen when they drank? How did they ever function and no wonder they lost at cards.

  She blinked her eyes and tried to focus on Millicent but she wouldn’t stay still, swaying from one side to the other. Audrey closed her eyes and breathed in through her nose and exhaled. When she opened her eyes again, Millicent was a blur and Audrey could barely make out her features, though they appeared to be worried.

  “Audrey, are you okay?”

  Millicent’s voice came from far away. Audrey placed her hand beside her on the seat to keep from falling over. What was wrong with her?

  “Let me help you.” At least that is what she thought Millicent was saying as she leaned forward, the glass in her hand.

  Audrey tried to focus as it came closer and closer to her face. She tried to bring her hands up to push Millicent away but nothing was working right. Not her vision or her limbs. It was almost as if she were drugged. That one thought sent panic rioting through her but before Audrey could force her limbs to act; Millicent was pressing a goblet against her mouth, pouring more of the whiskey in. She tried to turn away but Millicent held her head. It was either gag and choke or swallow.

  “What do you mean she is not here,” Jordan demanded.

  The maid cowered away from him. Jordan took a steadying breath. It would do no good to scare the poor girl but blast, he was certain Audrey would be waiting for him. At least he hoped. She knew he was released from Newgate surely she knew he would come here.

  “All I know is she got a letter, dressed in her riding habit and left.”

  Jordan frowned. Had Mr. Slaine sent for her? Surely she wouldn’t have left without a word to him. “May I see the letter?”

  The maid bobbed a quick curtsey and rushed up the stairs. He had never seen a servant move so quickly. He paced in the foyer while agitation built. He shouldn’t be worried. There was probably a reasonable explanation as to why she was not at home. Audrey couldn’t have changed her mind about him again, could she? According to Clayton it was Audrey who had put the timeline together that freed him. He owed his life to her.

  The maid returned, skipping down the stairs, a piece of parchment
in her hand. She slid to a stop before Jordan and handed the letter to him. He hastily read it and his blood ran cold when he read his own signature. Not that it was his signature but whoever had penned the note had signed his name. It wasn’t even similar to his handwriting but he doubted Audrey had ever seen anything he had written so she wouldn’t know the difference.

  “How long ago did she leave?”

  “A few hours ago, Mr. Trent.”

  He didn’t bother with saying goodbye but bolted out of the house, yelling directions to his driver as he launched himself into the coach. “Please let her still be there.”

  The driver drew up at the end of Rotten Row on High Street and Jordan jumped from the coach, rushing forward. He came to a stop when he noticed a lone mare tied to a post. There was nobody walking about that could lay claim to the horse. He walked forward to investigate. The mare wore a side saddle and had long, strong legs. This was a fine piece of horseflesh and Audrey would not ride anything but the best. He straightened and looked around. Audrey wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

  She had to be here somewhere. Jordan rushed forward, checking behind bushes and trees, looking out at the landscape for anything. His heart raced and he feared it would beat out of his chest. Who had sent that note and what did they plan to do with Audrey?

  The other two ladies had not been killed but they had been maimed. Though he would never love Audrey less for a scar, it pained him to think of some monster cutting her. He had to find her before it was too late.

  Horse’s hooves galloped toward him and Jordan turned hoping it was Audrey. Disappointment over ran him before the panic rose again.

  Acker stopped before him.

  “Have you seen Miss Audrey Montgomery?” Jordan blurted out before Acker could greet him.

  The man slid from his horse. “Is something wrong?”

  Jordan didn’t wish to explain. Besides, he didn’t know the man all that well though he was Clayton’s closest friend. “I was supposed to meet her here. I believe that is her horse.” He gestured to the mare tied to the post.

  “When I arrived she was getting into a carriage with Lady Lydell.”

  Jordan’s heart ceased before it began to pound more fiercely. “When was that?”

  “An hour, perhaps longer.”

  “Thank you,” Jordan called over his shoulder and took off running back to the coach.

  She had to be at Lady Lydell’s home and nothing was amiss, though in his gut he knew such was not the case. Audrey was the last woman on earth who would leave a fine horse behind in Hyde Park for anyone to take. “Can you have the mare delivered to Bentley? I will explain later.” Audrey’s aunt and uncle would wonder why Acker was returning the horse and Jordan didn’t wish to worry them yet, especially if there was no need.

  Jordan barely heard Acker call out his agreement to do so before he slammed the door of the coach after giving direction to the driver. Thank goodness the Lydell’s home was not far.

  Jordan pounded on the front door of the Lydell Town home. “Please let Audrey be here and safe. Please let it simply be panic from being stuck in Newgate,” he whispered to the door. He knew in his gut that Audrey was not safe but until he determined where Lady Lydell had taken her he would not rest. And, if Audrey was injured in anyway, or worse, there would be a reason for Newgate to become his home.

  The door was opened by the family butler and before the man could ask for a name or his card, Jordan stepped inside. “Where is Lady Lydell,” he demanded.

  The butler took a step back, clearly affronted. “She is not at home.”

  “Where is she?” Jordan bit out.

  “I am not at liberty to say.” The butler held the door wider.

  He wasn’t stepping one foot out of the house until he knew where Lady Lydell had gone. “Where is Lydell?”

  “He does not wish to be disturbed.”

  “I don’t care,” Jordan yelled. “Either disturb him or tell me where he is.”

  “What is the matter, Trent?”

  He turned to find Lydell standing at the top of the stairs, a glass in his hand of what appeared to be brandy. “Where is your wife?”

  A frown formed on the man’s features. “She has gone to the country for a few days.”

  “Bath? Your estate?”

  Lydell began to saunter down the stairs. “Yes. What is this about?”

  “I believe she took Audrey with her.”

  Lydell paused in the middle of the staircase, a quizzical look on his face. “They are friends.”

  “Not any longer,” Jordan informed the man.

  Lydell continued down the stairs unconcerned. “Perhaps they have patched their disagreement and decided to spend a few days together.”

  Was the man so ignorant of what his wife had been about?

  “I believe your wife means to harm Audrey,” Jordan informed Lydell as he reached the last step.

  A smile pulled at his lips. “Really? Why would you think such a thing?” He lifted the crystal to his lips and drained the liquid from within. Was Lydell already drunk or just on his way there?

  “I think she is the one who attacked Lady Rothsbury and an employee of Madame Devine’s.”

  Lydell’s eyebrows shot up, but an odd quirk was on his face. He snorted. “I hadn’t anticipated this turn of events.”

  He turned and wandered down the hall to what Jordan knew to be a back sitting room. He followed Lydell, enraged at the man’s cavalier attitude. If someone had made such an accusation against his wife, he would have called the man out. Perhaps Lydell suspected himself, already knew, or simply thought it ridiculous. Jordan had suspected her a few times but discounted the possibility. Had he been that wrong about the woman?

  Lydell didn’t say anything but walked to the sideboard and refilled his glass. After he had taken another drink he focused on Jordan. “You believe my wife is the one who cut Lady Rothsbury and Angelique?”

  Jordan nodded. Maybe it just took Lydell a moment to let the accusation sink in. Yet, he didn’t seem a bit enraged. More humored if anything. Perhaps he simply just didn’t believe it.

  “Why?”

  He really didn’t want to have to explain to the man, but someone needed to. “Your wife has been pursuing me.”

  Lydell’s eyes hardened but a fraction of a moment before the nonchalant expression returned.

  “Lately, prior to their injury, I had spent some time with both ladies.”

  A bark of laughter burst from Lydell. “Angelique is a lady.”

  Jordan bit back a retort. No she wasn’t a lady by society standards but Jordan couldn’t bring himself to call her a whore either. “I had spent a good deal of time with both women before they were attacked.”

  “Do you think she acted out of jealousy?”

  “It is possible, but I won’t know until I find her and ask.”

  Lydell stared into his glass as he moved it around, swirling the liquid within. “I’ve been concerned with her recently.”

  Thank goodness the man was not completely oblivious to her behavior.

  “She seems to think herself in love with you.” His voice was low, almost depressed.

  “I’ve done nothing to encourage her.”

  Lydell looked up at him. “I know.” He sighed and then tilted the glass back and drained the liquid. He wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve and then set the glass aside. “If what you say is true, and she really did attack the lovely women in your life then who knows what she may do to Miss Montgomery.”

  Thank goodness he was seeing that it was a possibility. “Do you think she has taken her to Bath, or could they have gone somewhere else?”

  “I am sure they are in Bath. Millicent left but three hours ago. We might be able to catch them.”

  “We?” He hadn’t anticipated Lydell wishing to come along.

  “Let me gather a few things.” He started for the door. “You do have your carriage, do you not?”

  “Yes.” Jordan followed him
out of the room. “But I don’t think it is necessary you come along.”

  Lydell turned toward him. “I may need to reason with Millicent. If she thinks you came alone, I fear what she will do to Audrey to have you to herself.”

  The gentlemen traveled through the night with Lydell slumped in the corner of his seat, sipping from his flask, staring out at what little could be seen of the passing scenery. Neither said much. Jordan was too worried about Audrey to enter into polite conversation and Lydell was probably coming to terms with how he would deal with this wife. Would he turn her into Bow Street or take her from the country to avoid prosecution?

  If it were Audrey, not that she would ever do anything so heinous; Jordan would take her from the country to protect her. The difference was, Lydell didn’t love his wife and if she were incarcerated he would still be able to have her inheritance. Perhaps he would simply like to be free of her, though it did leave the issue of an heir in question as they only had a daughter.

  They stopped in the early morning hours to change horses and the two got out of the carriage to stretch and relieve themselves. Bath was not much further and exhaustion began to wear on Jordan. He would have dozed in the carriage but the few times he closed his eyes, his mind would not stop thinking about the danger Audrey was in. Once this danger was behind him he would probably sleep for a week. Heaven knew he hadn’t slept all that much in Newgate.

  “I love her, you know,” Lydell said as they were walking back toward their conveyance. He assumed Lydell was talking about Millicent.

  “After that unfortunate circumstance with the betting book, I thought the Season was over for me before it began.”

  Jordan nodded. Last year Lydell’s name had been included in a bet that he would be compromised by a Miss Moira Kirkwood and the two would end up in Scotland. It was the young woman’s first Season and if Jordan recalled correctly, they weren’t even a week into it before the bet appeared. When Lydell learned that her dowry was large, he set himself up to be happily compromised by the young woman. Unfortunately for Lydell, Miss Kirkwood had no intention of compromising Lydell.