Challenging A Rake (A Rake's Redemption Book 4)

by G. L. Snodgrass

  She couldn’t kiss him. Not here, not now. She couldn’t even touch him. A dozen eyes were watching from up and down the street, she was sure of it. Yet, every part of her soul demanded that she take this man in her arms and never let him go.

  Staring up into his eyes she felt a connection she had never felt with any other person. Even her best friend Olivia. Nothing had ever been this intense. This personal.

  The front door opened once again and Peters the butler hurried out. Her heart fell. Even more observers. One more interruption.

  “My Lord,” the butler said as he hurried down the steps. “I am sorry, I was not aware you had returned.”

  Lord Warwick waved a hand while continuing to stare at her.

  “It is only that I would not have contacted you if it wasn’t important,” the butler continued.

  Lord Warwick sighed heavily and pulled his eyes from her so that he could address his butler.

  “Yes?”

  Peters glanced at Amanda then back at Warwick as he raised a questioning eyebrow.

  Lord Warwick smiled, “Miss Waters is now one of us. She can be trusted in all things.”

  Peters smiled at her, welcoming her to a secret club.

  Her heart felt as if it would burst. Lord Warwick’s statement might very well be the greatest compliment anyone had ever given her. And he had done so in such a casual manner. As if he were commenting on the weather.

  Peters examined his employer, his eyes resting on the cane for a long moment. “Were you shot twice? That was the two fish. And the beautiful waters. That was Miss Waters here, obviously? Was I correct.”

  Lord Warwick smiled. “Yes Peters, you were correct. As I knew you would be.” Grimacing he shifted a little as his forehead furrowed with pain. “But, really, please inform me why I have been called home?”

  The butler frowned. “I am sorry sir, but it is Lord Liverpool, he demands your presence.”

  Amanda gasped. “The Prime Minister?”

  Lord Warwick grimaced and slowly shook his head. “He cannot be put off.”

  “No sir, I thought not,” Peters said.

  Amanda felt her anger beginning to rise once more. “Surely you are not thinking of going now. You need to be in bed.”

  He continued to stare off into the distance.

  “Peters,” Amanda beseeched. “The man shouldn’t have come this far. He can’t go on. He is about to collapse as it is. Surely you see it.”

  The butler swallowed slightly as he nodded then turned to his employer. “I could send word to Lord Liverpool, sir. Ask for a delay. Explain the situation.”

  Lord Warwick continued to stare off into the distance as he ignored them both, then signaled for Amanda’s coach to approach.

  “What are you doing?” Amanda demanded. “I hired that coach, I will not allow you to take it. Nor will I allow you to send me off like last week’s laundry.”

  He turned to address both Peters and herself, his eyes focused and determined. “Lord Liverpool would not have summoned me unless it was important. My health cannot be allowed to cause delays. Opportunities might be lost forever. No, I must see him right away.”

  Amanda’s stomach lurched. “This is so foolish, you will never make it there without collapsing.”

  He smiled down at her. “I might. Especially if you were to accompany me. Unfortunately, I must impose upon you once again.”

  Her world froze. He wanted her to help him reach the Prime Minister. He needed her assistance and was even admitting it in front of Peters.

  She studied him for a moment, then turned to open the carriage door as it pulled to a stop next to them.

  Lord Warwick chuckled then handed his cane to Peters to hold temporarily. “Tell my mother that I have been called away. Don’t mention Lord Liverpool or she will corner him at the next party. Just tell her it is something for the Regent. She wouldn’t dare press the Prince for details.

  Amanda slowly shook her head as he stomach turned over. The man talked of Princes and Prime Ministers as if they were dear friends. Once again she was made aware of just how far apart their two worlds were.

  Lord Warwick addressed the coachman. “Ten Downing Street.” Then turning to Amanda, he said, “We will go on to his residence in Fife if he isn’t there. But if I know the man, he will be near parliament. The man loves politics and can’t stand to take his fingers off the pulse of Westminster.”

  Amanda gulped as she nodded, pretending as if she agreed. She watched closely as he pulled himself up into the coach. Peters passed him the cane then handed Amanda up into the coach to sit across from him.

  “Send word Miss,” Peters said to her, “If you need anything.”

  Amanda smiled and the coach was off. She looked over at Warwick but the man had his eyes closed as he fought against the pain. His forehead was creased with strain and his face had taken on a ghostly pallor.

  Her insides tightened into a ball. The man had come to mean so much to her. A sense of surprise passed through her as she realized just how much.

  He is an Earl of the Realm, she reminded herself. Never forget that. He travels in a different world. Yet, it wasn’t his title she craved. It was him. A pure and simple need that pulsed through her constantly. A need to caresses and hold. A need to experience.

  There would never be a long future for them, she realized. There would be no family. No growing old together. No, the most she could hope for was a quick, joyous experience. Something to recall fondly in her later years.

  Was that enough?

  Perhaps it was, she realized. The alternative of going through life never knowing terrified her. If so, how should she ensure it happened. She well knew Lord Warwick. He would never seduce her. He would never think to act in such a dishonorable way.

  Yet, that was exactly what she wanted him to do. What she needed from him.

  Sighing internally, she leaned back and watched him rest. A dozen different questions danced in her head but she held back. Now was not the time. Let him gather himself.

  At last, the coach rocked to a halt. Lord Warwick eyes shot open. He pulled the curtain back and glanced out the window as he sighed heavily. She could tell that he was dreading the coming exertion. She took his cane as he made his way out of the carriage.

  Following him she glanced over and found him swaying back and forth, a bead of sweat trickling down the side of his jaw. Without thinking, she slipped her hand under his injured arm to give him support.

  She glanced up at him to make sure she hadn’t hurt him.

  He smiled back weakly then nodded to the front door. She helped him up the step.

  Ten Downing, she thought to herself. The center of the British empire. Even more than Buckingham Palace. From here, goals were set and the orders issued. A thousand threads leading to people all over the world. All pulled back to this very door.

  The sense of history and power was almost overwhelming. Taking a deep breath she knocked.

  It opened almost immediately, a footman in black and red livery bowed slightly, his quick glance obviously recognizing Lord Warwick.

  “Is he in, Parker?”

  The footman nodded, “Yes, My Lord. In his office.”

  Lord Warwick winced then glanced over at Amanda. “The third floor.”

  Her heart lurched at the thought of him having to climb three flights of stairs.

  “Couldn’t he come down?” she asked him.

  He laughed, Parker, the footman looked as if he’d been slapped by a dirty street urchin. More shocked than anything.

  “No, I don’t think so,” Warwick said. “It just isn’t done.”

  Amanda gritted her teeth. She was getting so tired of hearing what wasn’t done. It was about time people started doing things smartly. These constant rules were at times ridiculous.

  Lord Warwick started across the black and white marble floor to the foot of the long staircase. She continued to hold onto his weak arm. A soft tingle traveled through her at the closeness between t
hem. It was as if they were joined on the same path.

  She smiled to herself. This sense of togetherness was new and strange. But it gave her a feeling of strength as if there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they worked together. It was a feeling a woman could grow to love.

  Warwick slowly made his way up the long staircase. One step at a time. Good leg, cane, weak leg. Over and over, with her there at his side.

  Upon reaching the second floor, he stopped for a moment and gathered his breath. He glanced over at her and smiled. “I promise, I will not be this useless for long. Of course, the next flight of stairs might kill me.”

  She laughed as a sudden realization washed over her. She loved this man. Her heart ached just thinking about it. She loved everything about him. His sense of honor. His touch, the way he looked at her as if she were special. Those broad shoulders and his tender smile. Everything made her feel as if life was the most beautiful thing in the world.

  He could never know, she realized. It would drive him away faster than a stiff wind on a broad sail. No, he must never know.

  Yet, she wanted him to know the truth. She wanted to scream it from the rooftops. She loved this man.

  As he started up the second flight of stairs, she pushed her feeling down deep. It would be hard to keep them there, she realized. But she must. She could never let him know her true feelings. He would push her away even though he needed her help with his mission.

  No, the quickest way to lose a rake was to tell him that you loved him. Even she knew that much.

  At last, they made the third floor and turned into a suite of rooms. A Queen Ann desk sat to the side with a young man behind it, a dozen papers spread out in front of him. He glanced up and froze before jumping out of his chair and rushing around the front.

  “Lord Warwick? He has been asking for you.”

  “Thank You, Jenson,” Warwick said as he indicated the door to the inner office.

  Jenson glanced at Amanda then back at Lord Warwick as his eyes turned over to a concerned expression. “Please, Lord Warwick, are you well?”

  Lord Warwick looked back at him and said, “Do I look well?”

  The young man grimaced.

  Lord Warwick sighed heavily. “Please excuse me, Jenson, it has been a long day. My apologies.”

  The young man smiled his acceptance of the Lord’s apology then hurried to open the door. Stepping in he said, “Lord Warwick, My lord.”

  “It is about time,” A heavy voice yelled from inside. “Does the man think the government revolves around him? Doesn’t he know we have other things to worry about.”

  Amanda grimaced at the condemnation, but Warwick only laughed as he made his way into the room. “If you wanted a lickspittle toad at your beck and call, you picked the wrong man.”

  Amanda’s heart began to race. She hesitated a moment, but he gently pulled at her, silently telling her to continue. A feeling of pride washed over her. She wasn’t being dismissed now that they had achieved their goal.

  The room was lined with bookshelves. The scholar inside of her ached to run her fingers along their spines as she searched for lost treasures. The room smelled of candle wax and tobacco. A fire at the far end had died down and needed another log. A middle-aged man was coming around a large desk to greet them, a welcoming smile on his face.

  The Prime Minister himself, she realized. In his late forties with reddish-brown hair. The man looked like any other she might have passed on the street. Average height, nothing remarkable. Except for the eyes, she realized. They were the eyes of a hawk. Aware, never missing a thing.

  The man frowned as he stared at her for a quick moment, assessing, wondering. Her insides clenched up as she waited to be dismissed like a servant.

  Lord Warwick said, “Miss Waters. She is assisting me in this matter. In fact, she has already helped me confirm Lord Hicks and identified an additional participant. She has proven invaluable. I need her here for this”

  The Prime Minister continued to examine her for a long moment before nodding. He returned to examine Lord Warwick for a second then shook his head as he looked at the cane and the way she was helping Lord Warwick stand without falling.

  “I take it this was why you were delayed?” The Prime Minister said as he indicated the chairs in front of his desk. “And I must say, your attire is not exactly appropriate for these offices.”

  Lord Warwick laughed, “If you wish, I will go home and change. It might be a while before I return though.”

  The Prime Minister shook his head and waved his hand dismissing the idea.

  That was it, Amanda realized. She was going to be allowed to remain while these men discussed the most delicate secrets of the British government. How had her life brought her to this moment?

  Chapter Twelve

  Lord Warwick sighed heavily as he lowered himself into a chair. Amanda was with him every moment. Refusing to leave his side until he was seated comfortably, then pulling the other chair closer to his and sitting down.

  He noticed that the Prime Minister didn’t sit until she was seated. At least there was one gentleman in the room, but it was just impossible to remain standing any longer.

  She sat up straight, her hands folded primly in front of her as her eyes gave him a concerned look, obviously terrified he was going to keel over at any moment.

  The Prime Minister shot him a studied look as he raised an eyebrow.

  “What happened?”

  Lord Warwick took a deep breath, “I was shot, over two weeks ago. Twice. If not for Miss Waters. I would surely have succumbed to my wounds. And no, I don’t know who, but I have my suspicions. Luckily, Miss Waters and I were acquainted through our mutual friend Nathanial Caldwell. She resides rather near where I was attacked. I made my way to her home and collapsed.”

  The Prime Minister glanced at her a little differently. Knowing she was a friend of Nathanial’s would do that to a man. Then pulling his eyes back to Lord Warwick, he said, “Why didn’t you send word?”

  Lord Warwick used his good shoulder to shrug. “I don’t know who to trust. I thought it better to let my attacker think he had succeeded. Besides, I had a very good nurse.”

  He glanced over and caught a pretty pink blush that made him smile.

  The Prime Minister nodded sagely then turned to Amanda. “Thank you, Miss Waters. You have done a service for crown and country of immense importance. I don’t like to admit it, but the crown has come to rely on this man much more than is prudent.”

  Amanda swallowed hard as she frantically tried to develop the right response.

  The Prime Minister, however, didn’t wait for her reply. Instead, he turned to Lord Warwick.

  “Matters have changed. But before I inform you of the details. Why don’t you bring me up to date.”

  Lord Warwick gritted his teeth. His leg was barking with pain. He had overdone it to reach this room and now he was expected to provide a detailed report. Both his hands gripped the chair arms as every muscle in his body screamed at him.

  “Sir,” Amanda said addressing the Prime Minister. “I mean, My lord. Perhaps I could tell you. Lord Warwick will need a minute to recover.”

  The Prime Minister’s eyebrows shot to the top of his forehead.

  Lord Warwick bit back a smile then nodded his approval.

  The Prime Minister shrugged and leaned back in his chair.

  Amanda took a deep breath next to him then began. She informed the prime minister of Lord Warwick’s arrival on her entrance way floor. Of his insistence on keeping his presence secret. She told the man about discovering his mission. Making sure to deflect any blame away from Lord Warwick.”

  The Earl of Warwick had to smile at the idea of this young woman worrying about protecting him. Lord Liverpool caught it and smiled back.

  Amanda continued on, finally telling the prime minister how she obtained Lord Hicks’ ledger.

  The prime minister glanced over at Lord Warwick and silently asked if this was corr
ect.

  “It wasn’t my idea, sir, But I’m not fool enough to waste an opportunity.”

  Amanda ignored him and continued with her tail. “We were able to identify Frederick Bartholomew …”

  “We knew of him already, didn’t we?” The prime minister interrupted.

  “Yes,” she continued before he could respond. “But now we know how much he was paid and when. We also identified Lady Simpson. At least, I believe we did.”

  Lord Warwick smiled to himself. He was proud of her. She was giving a concise report. Most men he knew would have been shaking int heir boots but not his Miss Amanda. The woman was remarkable.

  When she had completed her report she glanced at him as if asking if she had missed anything.

  “What she left out,” he told the prime minister. “Is that she was able to leave the original document in place and provide me a complete replication from memory. Everything, dates, amounts, initials.

  The prime Minister eyes grew wide as he glanced at Amanda again. Lord Warwick felt a sense of pride. The man was rarely impressed and he didn’t suffer fools lightly, but Amanda impressed him.

  “Good,” he said. “I am not surprised about Lady Simpson, the woman has always resembled a snake in my mind. Something about those darting eyes of her.”

  Amanda frowned. “Excuse me, My Lord. You don’t seem surprised that a woman could be involved.”

  The Prime Minister laughed. “You don’t know the women I know, Miss Waters. Half of them would sell their honor to the highest bidder if they thought they could get away with it.”

  Amanda nodded but remained silent. She knew when not to press matters. Again, impressive.

  The Prime Minister turned to Lord Warwick. “Perchance, might the initials VB reside on said list?”

  Warwick began to remove the list from his pocket when Amada interrupted him. “Yes, My Lord. He is on it twice, paid five hundred pounds on October seventeenth of last year and again January Eighth of this year.”

  The Prime Minister nodded. “I thought so.”

  “Why?”

  “Sir Victor Barclay,” the Prime Minister said as if it were obvious? “It seems he took his life late yesterday. A pistol at zero paces. Gambling debts that could not be repaid.”