The Earl's Dangerous Assignment

by Ginny Hartman

  “I will not hold you to that threat,” he assured her as he snatched her hand before she had the chance to refuse his touch. Bringing her hand towards his lips, he quickly turned it over and placed a scorching kiss on her palm. “When you are ready to admit the truth, you'll know where to find me.”

  Sophia pulled her hand from his grasp and made to slap him, but before she had the chance, he turned on his heel and sauntered down the hall, leaving her gaping after his retreating form.

  With her mouth hanging agape, she too turned on her heel and began swiftly walking in the opposite direction, too infuriated to speak. Lord Coldwell was the most vexing man she'd ever met; she thought as she cursed him beneath her breath. She rued the day he came into her life.

  Samuel wondered how long it would take Sophia to notice her letter was missing. With smugness, he fingered the folded piece of parchment in his pocket as he forced himself to keep walking away from the alluring chit towards his bedchamber where he could read what she had written in privacy.

  “Oh, Sophia! I never thought I'd see you again.”

  Though they'd enjoyed a delightful dinner together, this was the first time Sophia found herself alone with Lydia, the new Duchess of Ludington and she was eager to ask her how she was fairing.

  “Oh, Lydia, I too wondered if our paths would ever cross once more.” Taking Lydia's hands into her own, she asked with sincerity, “How are you doing?”

  Lydia linked their arms together and began walking towards the gardens. The evening was growing late, but both women had relished the idea of a walk in the cool air if only to give them some time alone to speak. “I am fairing quite well, considering. Though I must admit, it was harder than I expected to return home from our wedding trip after what father had done.”

  “Has the ton shunned you as well?”

  “Not entirely, though I think my marriage to Levi has something to do with that. The hardest part has been dealing with the fact that someone you knew and loved your entire life could have betrayed you so deeply, but I'm certain you can understand that perfectly.”

  “Yes,” Sophia admitted, “I certainly can. How is your mother? I must confess she doesn't look well.” Lady Phelps had aged considerably in the months since Sophia had seen her.

  Lydia sighed. “She isn't well. Learning about father's betrayal and death was painful enough, but learning that she is to lose Trenton Hall was more than she could take. It's been her home for the past two decades, and she loves it dearly, but since my father had no heir, it will fall into the hands of a distant relation that neither one of us has ever met.”

  “And he won't allow her to stay in her home?”

  “Most certainly not. He's already sent word through his solicitor that she is to be out by the end of next month, taking nothing with her but her personal belongings.”

  “How heartless.”

  “Indeed, but it's the way of things, I suppose. Now, enough about mother, tell me how you are doing.”

  Sophia slowly came to a stop. Glancing into Lydia's eyes, she wondered if she could trust her friend with her deepest secrets. There was something inside of her that so desperately wanted to take someone into her confidences, but she still felt hesitant to do so.

  “Life has been hard,” Sophia admitted vaguely.

  “I fear that is an understatement. It's no secret how vicious the ton has been to your family. Besides, it's painful to lose someone you love, even if they weren't really the person you always thought they were.”

  “Will it ever get easier?” Sophia asked, searching deeply into Lydia's eyes, hoping she had an answer.

  “Do you know what I think has helped me the most?”

  “What?”

  “Being loved by a good man.” When Lydia saw the doubt on Sophia's face, she was quick to rush on, “Oh, Sophia, it doesn't completely take away the pain, nor does it wipe away the hurt of betrayal, but it does give me the greatest hope that the future will not always be as bleak as the past. With Levi by my side, I've been able to find healing.”

  “You are ever so lucky to have found a good man,” Sophia said sincerely, though she couldn't help but notice how her breast was filled with envy.

  “And you will too, Sophia. Just give it time.”

  Unbidden, a painful lump formed in her throat as hot tears pooled in Sophia's eyes. “It's too late for that,” she sobbed, grasping Lydia's hands tightly. “My parents have already betrothed me to a man I despise. I'm to marry him as soon as we return to Goldborne Hall.”

  “No!” Lydia exclaimed, her mouth widening in shock.

  “It's true.”

  “What are you going to do? Certainly, you can't marry someone you don't love. It would be the worst of fates.”

  “My sentiments exactly, but you're the only one who seems to understand that.”

  The two stood in silence for several long moments before Lydia said softly, “But Sophia, you've always been resourceful. Can't you figure a way out of this dilemma?”

  “I think I have, but it won't be without its consequences.”

  “What are you planning on doing?” Lydia asked curiously, reminding Sophia of the spunky friend who'd been so willing to dress as a boy and go in disguise to boxing matches with her.

  “You must promise me two things if I'm to divulge the truth to you.”

  “Yes, anything,” Lydia hissed.

  “One, you will not tell a soul what I am going to do and two, you will not try to stop me.”

  “Very well, I promise. Now, what is your plan?”

  “I'm going to run away to Cornwall. I have an aunt there who will take me in, I'm sure.”

  “But your family will know to go looking for you there, won't they?”

  “My Aunt Caroline is a very clever woman, as well as my dearest relation. I'm confident she will keep my whereabouts a mystery while keeping me safe.”

  “When are you leaving?” Lydia asked, without a hint of judgment regarding her decision.

  “Before the house party is over. I can't risk returning to Goldborne. I will have to escape from here.”

  With the squeeze of her hands, Lydia added sincerely, “I will miss you greatly.”

  “And I you, but you must trust that things will be better this way.”

  Lydia nodded her head slowly, midnight black curls bobbing against her face. “Yes, indeed. But you must allow me to help you.”

  Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. “You'd do that for me?”

  “Oh, my dearest, how could I not? You helped save me, the least I can do is help aid you in your plight. Besides, it will be great fun sharing a portion of your secret adventure. We will need to procure you some men's clothing as a disguise, for starters, and I have just the resource for that.”

  Sophia laughed at her friend's excitement. “You do?”

  “Yes, I do. You will also need some other necessities if you are to leave everything you hold dear behind. I will work on putting some things together while we both ruminate on a plan of escape. I don't want anyone aware of your absence until you are far on your way, so we will have to be wise about how we plan this.”

  Feeling happier than she'd felt in ages, Sophia grabbed Lydia into her embrace as she giggled. Looking up at the dusky sky above, she squealed, “Oh, Lydia, you are the best friend I could ever have. I'm truly in your debt. I had gotten so desperate; I had almost resorted to sending a missive to Captain Wallace.”

  “Who's Captain Wallace?”

  Pulling back from her friend, Sophia slipped her finger beneath her sleeve to retrieve the hidden missive and gasped. It wasn't there! Fear and worry slithered up her spine as she began shaking her arms, hoping the letter simply traveled up her sleeve where she couldn't reach it.

  “Whatever is the matter?” Lydia asked curiously as she watched Sophia's awkward dance.

  “Oh, Lydia, it can't be. My letter is missing.”

  “What letter?”

  “The letter I wrote to Captain Wallace,” she explai
ned impatiently as she began retracing her steps, checking the ground as she went. Perhaps it had fallen out as she walked.

  Her panic intensified as she searched without success. Oh, what a fool she had been to leave it in her sleeve instead of returning it to her room after her encounter with Lord Coldwell. But, there hadn't been time. The dinner bell had rung, and Sophia had hurried off so she wouldn't be late, still completely flustered by her encounter with Samuel.

  “If somebody were to find the letter, they would know of my plans. I wrote to the Captain pleading for his help in hiding me if for some reason Aunt Caroline was indisposed. Oh, what a coil.”

  Lydia reached out and pulled Sophia to a stop and suggested wisely, “Perhaps you dropped it in the house, and a servant found it and posted it for you. Surely they didn't read it.”

  A small glimmer of hope flickered in her breast, “Do you think that is a real possibility?”

  “I do. Or perhaps it got swept up in the cleaning and has been disposed of.”

  “Yes,” Sophia intoned slowly. “I suppose either of those scenarios could be feasible. But,” she said with sudden alarm, “what if my parents found it?”

  “Then you will know shortly, for surely they'll confront you about it.”

  Sophia shuddered at the thought. She was certain her parents would not take the news of her impending escape lightly. “You're right. I guess if that's the case, I will know soon. Oh, heaven help me, I don't know what I will do if my plan is thwarted. I can't return to Goldborne and marry Reverend Balfour. I'd rather die.”

  Lydia giggled at her dramatic wailing which only made Sophia angry. “How can you find humor in this? I daresay if you were in this situation, you wouldn't find it the least bit humorous.”

  Lydia sobered. “You are right. It's not your situation I find amusing; it's your reaction. I've never seen you so worked up about anything. You've always been so calm, appearing confident in whatever situation you find yourself in.”

  “I can't remain calm; this is the worst situation yet.”

  Lydia took Sophia's hands in hers and gave them a gentle tug, forcing Sophia to look down into her lovely face that was full of concern. “Sophia, though your situation looks bleak, I can assure you it's not the worst thing you have ever faced. Having your life threatened by my father, having to discover things about your brother that would incriminate him and send him to the gallows all the while bringing social ruin upon your family is much more dire than facing an unwanted marriage to a man you don't love.”

  Sophia made to interrupt her friend, but Lydia wouldn't allow it and continued, “I know the thought of marrying Reverend Balfour is vile, but you must displace it from your mind at once. It's causing you to act irrationally, which will not serve you well at all if you wish to pull off this stunt. You must remain calm and clear-headed and trust me to help you. Between the two of us, I'm certain we can figure out the perfect plan.”

  Lydia was right. Now was not the time to become frazzled, it made her do foolish things. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Sophia glanced up at the sky once more. “You're right, of course. I will attempt to remain calm.”

  “And, you must act normal for the next several days while we devise a plan. It would not due to have anyone suspect that something suspicious is going on.”

  Sophia glanced at the petite beauty and laughed. “I find it humorous that you are educating me on how to act as if you are the professional spy, not I.”

  Lydia snickered into her glove. “I don't mean to be overbearing; I'm simply trying to be helpful.”

  “I can assure you that you are, dear friend. Taking you into my confidences has relieved me greatly. I can't thank you enough.”

  The best thing about arranging the house party for Samuel was not just the fact that he was able to keep a closer eye on Sophia, it was the fact that he was able to see a side of her that he hadn't seen in ages. She was smiling more frequently at Tisdale Manor, which brought him great delight.

  The entire party had retired to the game room after dinner where several tables were set up with cards. His parents, along with Lord and Lady Whitworth and Lady Phelps were sitting around a table enjoying a game of whist while Sophia and Lydia were sitting in a pair of wing-backed chairs close to the hearth, their heads bent close together.

  Samuel sat across the room observing the two girls when Levi came and sat next to him on the leather sofa, a snifter of brandy in each hand. He offered one to Samuel, who gladly accepted it, before taking a hearty drink and setting the glass aside and propping one of his booted feet up on the ottoman before him.

  “I don't trust those two together.”

  Samuel followed Levi's eyes across the room to Sophia and Lydia. “Why not?”

  “They're trouble, the both of them. Put them together, and it creates pure madness.”

  Samuel smirked, knowing Levi's words were true. “Are all women such handfuls?”

  Levi shook a lock of chestnut hair out of his eyes. “I'm not the right man to ask that question to; every woman in my life is a meddlesome hoyden, it would seem,” he confessed candidly as his eyes slid from his wife to his sister, Alexandra.

  “I must confess, I'm in awe of your ability to control them. You must tell me your secret.”

  Levi guffawed loudly, causing all heads in the room to turn and look curiously in their direction. He waved off the attention and waited for them to resume their focus away from him before admitting, “I do not have any measure of control over either of them. Alexandra is your father's problem now, and you must thank the good Lord she didn't end up being yours. As far as my wife is concerned, the only way I've managed to keep her in line is by keeping her so busy she has no time to cause any trouble.”

  “Busy? How?” Samuel asked, his thick brows rising on his forehead.

  Levi's voice lowered, “In the best way a husband can. I imagine your father employs a similar tactic, as is apparent in the fact he wasted no time getting Alexandra with child.”

  Though not one to be so easily flustered, Samuel felt his face warm at Levi's words. “I didn't need to know that.”

  “You asked, man.”

  Clearing his throat, and his mind of unwanted images, Samuel asked, “What sort of advice would you give someone who is not wed, then?”

  “In regards to controlling a woman?” Samuel nodded and watched as Levi glanced once more across the room at Sophia and Lydia. With a smirk, Levi confessed candidly, “You cease trying to control her at once because the truth of the matter is, man, she is the one controlling you, and there's not a blasted thing you can do about it.”

  Samuel groaned. “That's not the counsel I was hoping to receive.”

  “I'm sure it isn't. None of us want to admit it, but from the moment you fall in love, you've given up all control. You're now at the mercy of her,” he said, waving one hand towards the ladies.

  “You mean your wife?”

  “I mean the woman you love,” Levi said knowingly, his eyes boring into Samuel's.

  Reaching up, Samuel loosened his cravat. Levi's words combined with his piercing gaze ruffled him. “I think the best suggestion then, is to simply not allow yourself to fall in love.”

  “Allow? I don't think there is any allowance about it. When the right woman comes along, you are left without a choice. It's foolish to try and resist her charms, for it would only prove impossible.” Levi leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “Can I offer you some advice?”

  Samuel looked surprised. “I don't need any advice.”

  Ignoring him, Levi continued, “If you truly love her, you mustn't let any obstacle stand in your way.”

  “Obstacle?” Samuel asked stupidly.

  “Yes. Lydia has informed me Lady Sophia is to be wed as soon as she returns to Goldborne Hall.”

  Samuel's shoulders stiffened, though he tried valiantly to appear unaffected by Levi's admission. So, Sophia truly was betrothed? He'd supposed her admission was simply a dream induced revelation, not
the truth. “To whom?” he asked, feeling a mixture of dread and curiosity.

  “Reverend Balfour. Don't know the man myself, but according to Lydia he's quite old and has seven children.”

  Samuel gulped loudly as he glanced once more to Sophia, trying to imagine her the stepmother to seven children. The thought wasn't as bothersome to him as was the thought of her being wed to another man. “She can't marry him,” he seethed.

  Levi looked at Samuel knowingly. “Then do something about it.”

  “I can't,” he hissed almost angrily.

  “Of course you can. Lydia was once engaged to another and I...”

  Samuel cut him off by quickly bolting to his feet. Levi hastened to join him. “There are too many obstacles,” Samuel confessed brusquely.

  “Aren't there always?” Levi asked flippantly before Lydia and Sophia arose and began walking towards them.

  Samuel stiffened as he watched Sophia glide towards him, a beguiling smile on her face. Why, oh why did she affect him so? And why couldn't the obstacles in their way simply be an unwanted engagement? For, if that were all there was, Samuel wouldn't hesitate in his pursuit of the chit. But knowing she could be guilty of treason challenged everything he desired. He couldn't risk tying himself to someone who was an enemy to The Crown, no matter how beautiful and alluring she was.

  “We were discussing the possibility of playing a parlor game,” Lydia said to Levi. “Would you two be interested?”

  “No,” Samuel replied gruffly, feeling rather annoyed at Sophia at the moment and more annoyed at the fact that he couldn't figure out what she was up to.

  Sophia's eyes widened at his brusqueness, but he quickly turned to avoid her gaze. If they wanted to continue making merriment, they'd have to do it without him, for Samuel was in no mood for gaiety, no mood at all.

  Though the hour was late, Sophia was not tired in the least. She felt exhilarated as she returned to her bedchamber, a leather satchel in her grasp that had been given to her by Lydia. She couldn't wait to get to her chamber and open it up to see what her friend had procured for her.