by Jillian Kent
“Mother?” Devlin repeated, and gently touched her shoulder. “Mother?” He held his fingers against her neck searching for the heartbeat.
“Devlin,” she said, slowly raising her head and looking at him. “My son.”
Tears flooded his eyes, and he dropped to his knees. She was alive. His mother was alive!
Her hand rested on his head as he gave way to years of pent-up emotion, shaking with grief and anger and exhaustion. “Mother,” he said again and again. “Mother.”
At last the crying subsided. Wiping his eyes, he lifted his gaze to her and found her watching him, weak yet calm.
“My back hurts, son. Can you help me out of this awful chair?”
Devlin scrambled to his feet, and with his good side he helped her out of the chair and back into her cot. Elethea sighed and turned her head toward him. “I believe I could eat something.”
Devlin smiled with joy. “You are better!” He looked about for an attendant to send to the kitchen, but none was in sight. “I’ll see what food I can find,” he told her. “Rest, and I will return as soon as I can.”
Devlin went straight to the kitchen and ordered that some broth and a pot of tea be taken to his mother. He then made his way to Madeline’s room.
Strange—the door to Madeline’s room stood open. Where did she go? He forced himself to remain calm. The room was empty.
“Now what?” he mumbled to himself. Then he spotted the piece of paper on her bed. Crossing quickly, he opened the paper and read it.
Forgive me, Lord Ravensmoore. I couldn’t just sit here and do nothing to help my own mother while you so diligently attended to your mother. You know how tenacious I can be. I will be safe. Do not worry.
She must have left soon after he saw her last. Of course Madeline would be desperate to save her mother—as desperate as he’d been to save his own.
“Blast it all!” Anger and frustration boiled within him as he returned to the infirmary, where he found Langford attending a patient.
“Lady Madeline has gone to her mother,” he explained to Langford. “I’ve got to go after her. But Lord knows where I’ll find a serviceable horse at such short notice.”
“Perhaps I can be of service, Ravensmoore.” Charles Melton stepped into the room, a cocky grin on his face.
“Melton,” chorused Devlin and Langford.
“Where did you come from?” Devlin asked, relief spreading through him. “How did you get here?”
“I rode my horse. That is a common means of transportation these days.” He strode forward, gripped Devlin’s hand firmly, and then greeted Langford. “I told you I would return to check on you. It sounds as though Lady Madeline has escaped you yet again. I suggest you borrow my horse and go after her.”
“I owe you a debt, Melton; thank you. Dr. Langford will fill you in on what needs doing. And about a special patient who needs your attention.” He gazed meaningfully at Langford, who nodded his understanding.
“I’ll take excellent care of your patients, Ravensmoore. Now go, before you lose more time.”
Madeline picked up the brush and comb on her mother’s dressing table. She hadn’t thought she’d relax at all, wondering when Vale might return and discover his wife missing, but the familiarity of the surroundings somehow put her at ease. After moving her mother, she ate a few bites of toast and sipped a strong cup of tea.
Agnes rapped on the door and entered. “I’m sorry to say, Lady Madeline, that Donavan returned without Dr. Melton. Apparently he is at Ashcroft as well, and no one could return with him to help the countess.”
“Oh, no.” Madeline allowed herself one moment of despair, then rallied. “Agnes, stay here with Mother.” She returned to her mother’s room on the other side of the house to gather a few more essentials and think out her next steps.
Catching her appearance in the mirror, she sat down at the dressing table and pulled the brush through her hair, smoothing it into a tight knot at the back of her head, then securing it with pins. She thought it wise that she and Agnes had moved her mother out of this room to the east wing. She did not want her mother easily available for Vale’s abuse when he returned.
A door slammed below. Vale! Madeline dropped the brush and held her breath. Where were Donavan and Wiggins?
Measured footsteps on the stairs panicked Madeline. He is here already, she thought. Lord, help me to be strong. Slowly, she stood, bracing herself.
Vale entered the room, still wearing his greatcoat and hat, and the moment he spotted her, his face reddened with anger. “What the deuce do you think you’re doing? How did you get out of Ashcroft? And where is my wife?”
“Where you can no longer hurt her,” Madeline snapped.
Vale reached her in two long strides and grabbed Madeline’s shoulders, shaking her. “You tell me where she is right this moment.”
“Let go of me.” Madeline struggled against him. “You’re hurting me.”
“Release her at once!” It was Ravensmoore’s voice, cold as steel and razor sharp. “You will be the only one leaving, Vale,” he said. “And it’s straight to prison you’ll be going.”
Vale dropped his hands from Madeline’s shoulders and whirled around. “Ravensmoore. I should have guessed you’d be skulking about.” Vale glared at him with unmistakable loathing. “However, it makes no difference.”
Ravensmoore stepped forward. “I know what you have been doing, Vale, and you will pay for your crimes.”
“You have no proof of anything. You’re more the lunatic than the ones behind the bars of Ashcroft.” Vale tried to walk past Ravensmoore.
Ravensmoore grabbed his arm. “You sound very sure of yourself. Why is that?”
Madeline watched a thin muscle in the side of Vale’s neck pulsate and tense. He’s nervous, she thought, glad to think that maybe he was beginning to squirm.
“Get your hand off of me!”
“Not until you agree to leave. And if you think Sullivan or those two apes he’s with are going to help you, you are sadly mistaken.”
Vale’s mouth twisted into a strange, absurd grin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He pulled away from Ravensmoore and straightened his coat. “I don’t need anyone’s help. I have nothing to hide. Get out of my way.”
Ravensmoore’s eyes blazed like green steel. “I’m on to your game, Vale.”
Madeline watched a dark river of red creep just above Vale’s cravat. He is guilty, I know it, and he is slipping away. She battled for control of the anger that swept through her like the fires of hell itself. She said fiercely, “I will see to it that you go to prison. You are trying to kill my mother. I know you are feeding her laudanum.”
Vale threw her a mocking look. “I would never kill Grace. In any event, your mother cannot do or say anything against me.” Vale took a step toward her. “A wife cannot testify against her husband. Or did the two of you forget that fact?” He grinned an evil, knowing smirk.
Madeline held her ground, not wanting to show her fear. “Maybe she can’t testify, but I can. It is just a matter of time.”
“You stupid witch!” Vale moved toward her, but again Ravensmoore intervened.
“Stay away from her.” He pulled a pistol from his coat and aimed it at Vale, whose eyes widened just slightly, then narrowed in anger.
“Now get out of here.” Ravensmoore gestured with the pistol, forcing Vale out of the room. Together they descended the winding staircase, Vale with his arms raised, Ravensmoore following behind.
Madeline held her breath, watching from the top of the stairs as Ravensmoore guided Vale through the foyer. Phineas stood like a sentry by the door, a gapped-tooth grin on his usually solemn features. He opened the door wide for the two men.
Vale descended the front steps, then turned. “I’m coming back. This is my home, and Grace is my wife. There is nothing you can do to change that.” He stomped off to the stables, and Phineas closed the door after him.
Ravensmoore replaced his gun in
his coat as she came down the stairs. “I can’t believe you came!” she cried. “Thank you, Ravensmoore.” She reached him and held out her hands for him to take.
He bent over them and kissed each hand. “After I found your note, I came as quickly as possible. I knew you might need help.” He raised his head, and for the first time she noticed the exhausted circles around his eyes.
“Are you all right? What about your wound? And your mother?”
“Not to worry. I’ll be fine. And my mother is on the way to recovery. Now I need to check your mother’s condition. He will come back, Lady Madeline. We have to get her out of here.”
Madeline’s mind raced, but the confusion and fear of the last few minutes had her rattled. “Where will we take her?”
“To Ravensmoore.”
While Ravensmoore examined Grace, Madeline and Agnes quickly packed a small valise of Grace’s belongings. Then Donavan came to carry Grace down to the carriage.
Madeline tucked a blanket tenderly around Grace, who lay half-conscious against the cushions. “Good-bye, Mother. Agnes, you’ll take good care of her, I know. Devlin and I will follow as soon as we can.” She kissed Grace then climbed from the carriage to stand beside Ravensmoore.
Together they watched as Donavan took up the reins and urged on the horses. The carriage pulled away, heading down a lane of dappled afternoon sun.
“I pray she will be safe.” Madeline clenched her fists. “That man is a monster.”
Ravensmoore touched her arm gently. “It’s going to work out, Lady Madeline. I know this is happening fast, but we must be smarter than Vale. If he returns, we will be able to delay him and prevent his finding your mother. It is too late now, but tomorrow we will go to the authorities, and you can press charges against him.”
Ravensmoore slept while Madeline spent the time resting in her room and praying. Late in the afternoon there was a quick knock on the door, and Daisy entered, a silver tray set with dinner balanced in her hands.
“Lord Ravensmoore said I was to serve ye dinner, Lady Madeline.”
“That is not necessary.” Madeline smiled. “It is nice, though. Thank you, Daisy. Where is Ravensmoore? Vale has not returned yet?”
“Do ye think it would be this quiet if he was?” Daisy set the tray down on a bedside table. “Now, ye just get comfy.” She pulled the pillows behind Madeline, fluffing them as she did so.
“Mmm. That smells wonderful.”
Daisy set the tray across Madeline’s lap and removed the lid to reveal fresh ham, potatoes, beans, bread and butter, and a steaming cup of tea.
“Why, there’s enough food here to feed five people. Daisy, really. You know that I never eat anywhere near—”
“You’ve had an awful few days. It won’t hurt to spoil ye just a bit.”
Madeline was nearly finished with her food when she suddenly realized she’d been duped. “Daisy. You didn’t answer my question a moment ago.” Madeline studied her maid. “Where is Ravensmoore?”
“Yer food is getting cold. It is important that you eat and keep up your strength with all ye’ve been through. Lord Ravensmoore asked me to be sure that you had a very nice dinner before I told you.” Daisy started straightening the room.
“Daisy! What are you hiding from me? Where is he?”
“I promised. I promised that you would eat yer dinner and not get all excited.”
Madeline gave Daisy a look that brooked no further hesitation. “Get excited about what?”
Daisy took a deep breath. “The carriage was attacked an hour into their trip, and your mother was taken. Donavan escaped to tell Lord Ravensmoore. He believes your mother is being taken to Vale House and has gone after him in pursuit.”
“Mother!” Apprehension tore through Madeline. “When did he leave, Daisy?”
“Not more than an hour ago.”
“Help me get dressed in my riding costume. I’m going after him.”
CHAPTER 24
Malice drinketh up the greater
part of its own poison.
—SOCRATES
MADELINE AND DONAVAN rode north through thickening clouds, leaving Wiggins behind to guard Rich-field. She was pleased that Ravensmoore had insisted the groom remain behind to guard her. Now she had help. Ravensmoore was certain to have something to say about her plans when she caught up with him. She just didn’t want to hear it.
“I really think we should go back, Lady Madeline. ’Tis not safe. Lord Ravensmoore is bound to hang me from the nearest tree for allowin’ you to leave Richfield.”
“It was not your decision to make. You were just following my instructions.”
“Somehow I don’t think his lordship will be seein’ it that way.”
“I imagine you’re right.” Madeline smiled. “I will deal with him.”
Vale House sat in a shadowed valley, dark and foreboding against the stormy evening sky. “Perfectly fitting for a man like Vale,” Madeline said as she and Donavan watched from a distant hill.
Donavan grunted. “The house needs care; the fields are overgrown. ’Tis rotten. Just like Vale.”
“So it is.”
“What are you plannin’ to do after we get to the house?” Donavan asked, his voice edgy. “This is not a good idea. If Vale doesn’t kill me, Lord Ravensmoore will.”
Shakespeare whinnied and pranced anxiously. A brisk wind picked up, and the rustle of leaves heightened Madeline’s senses. “A storm is coming.”
“And the only place of shelter is down there,” Donavan said, pointing toward Devil’s Backbone. “We better get movin’ before it hits.”
Madeline felt a tiny splash upon her face, then another and another. “Here it comes.”
Madeline and Donavan circled around to the back of the stables to avoid detection. The place seemed deserted. “I have the distinct feeling that Vale doesn’t keep many servants.” The stable door creaked loudly, and Donavan poked his head inside.
“What do ye see?” Madeline asked as she tried to peer around him. “Is anyone in there?”
“I don’t believe so.” He gave her an uneasy glance. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.” He disappeared into the stable before she could object.
The wind moaned. Madeline grew more nervous with every second that Donavan did not return. She poked her head inside. “Donavan? Where are you?”
“’Tis safe,” he finally said. “No one is here. Just a couple of horses.”
Madeline let out a sigh of relief and stepped inside. “We can’t leave our horses outside. It’s too dangerous.”
“I’ll get them.”
He retrieved their horses and led them into the dark stable, the storm raging overhead. The musty smell of wet hay permeated the rickety barn. “I got as close to the house as possible before gettin’ the horses; didn’t see a soul.”
“You did what?” Madeline’s hand flew to her throat. “Have you lost your senses? You could have been killed. We don’t know where Sullivan or Vale are, and it doesn’t look like Ravensmoore has arrived.”
Donavan led the horses into empty stalls. The other horses stomped and whinnied as thunder shook the barn. “This place is scary. I don’t like being scared.”
“I don’t either,” Madeline said, thinking that perhaps her plan might have a few flaws in it.
“What now?” Donavan asked, distraught.
“With the noise of the storm,” Madeline said, her brow creased in thought, “and the probability that Vale doesn’t retain many servants, let’s see if we can make our way into the house.”
“No disrespect, Lady Madeline, but if there was any doubt in my mind that you belonged at Ashcroft, it has now vanished. You have surely lost all reason if you think for one moment that you are goin’ into that devil’s home. Ravensmoore would never forgive me for puttin’ you in such danger. And your father would curse me from his grave, may he rest in peace.”
“Can you live with yourself if anything happens to my mother? We cannot wait for Ravensmoore.”
“All right. Blast me for a fool. But if we do find a way in, I will go, and you will come back here. If I do not return within a few minutes, you must hide here until Ravensmoore arrives.”
“No,” Madeline said, tossing her loose wet hair back over her shoulder. “I will not leave you!”
Donavan shook his head. “Females! They will be my undoin’.” He extended his arm. “After you, Lady Madeline. And if you see Vale comin’ this way, run like the wind.”
“If I see Vale coming this way”—she stopped and looked about the stable then grabbed a shovel—“I’ll hit him with this.” She waved the tool in the air, barely missing Donavan’s face.
“The thought does not encourage me. Put that thing down.” He took the shovel and leaned it against the wall. “Now, let us go.”
Madeline’s heart hammered against her chest like a surly beast hoping for escape from its cage. The rain battered her face until she was certain she’d be black and blue from the stinging daggers.
Madeline and Donavan edged their way along the side of the manor. “No matter what happens,” she said, breathing hard, “we stay together. Let’s see if we can discern anything from the windows on the rear porch.” Madeline pointed to the windows. “Over there.”
Three of the six tall windows were pushed open, allowing fresh air to enter into the rooms. Fortunately it allowed them entrance as well. Donavan slipped through the third window at the same time Madeline slipped through the second.
“What now?” Donavan whispered behind her. “’Tis gloomy as a graveyard.”
“Gloomy indeed,” Madeline agreed, her eyes quickly assessing the sparsely furnished drawing room.
“Let’s get out of here.” Donavan turned back toward the windows.
Madeline grabbed his hand. “This may be our only chance to rescue them.”
Donavan turned back to her. “But where are they? This place is huge.”