Realm 02 - A Touch of Velvet

by Regina Jeffers

  “You deserve it. What you did in Belgium should have been rewarded long ago.”

  Lowery looked away in embarrassment. “It was nothing, really.”

  “Tell it to all those men you saved that day,” Bran noted. “How many lives! It was unbelievable!”

  *

  When the message came from Wellston, he could not believe his eyes; now Bran raced across the English countryside. He had ridden throughout the day and much of the night, having stopped only long enough to change horses. Although he had slept very little, he had taken a room at a posting inn for several hours when an overnight thunderstorm had driven him from the road. Riding an unfamiliar horse in a driving rain was nearly impossible.

  Now, he kicked his latest horse’s flanks. It was a miserable looking nag, but it was all he could secure at the last inn. As the animal clopped into Linton Park’s gravel drive, he threw the reins to a waiting footman as he slid from the saddle. At a run, he took the steps to the main door two at a time.

  Mr. Lucas, Kerrington’s butler, pulled the door open just as Bran reached it. “Your Grace.” The offering a quick bow came as Bran flung his hat and gloves at the man.

  “Where is Viscount Worthing?” Bran demanded.

  “I believe the viscount and viscountess are in their chambers, Your Grace. Shall I let them know you have arrived?”

  Bran glanced towards the main staircase before he started to move. “No, I will announce myself.”

  “But, Your Grace,” the man called as Bran bolted up the stairs.

  Rounding the post and turning to the left, Bran knew where Kerrington slept. Within seconds, he pounded on Kerrington’s door.

  “Worthing!” he hit the door again. “Worthing, I need you!”

  The door opened ever so slightly. “Your Grace?’ Kerrington appeared disheveled.

  “I require your assistance.” Bran ignored what he probably interrupted.

  Kerrington nodded and eased the door closed. Bran paced the short distance of this private quarters debating on whether to hit the door again when it suddenly opened. Bran plowed into the room’s middle before he had realized that Kerrington wore only his breeches, and worse, Ella wore a nightgown and robe in the day’s middle. Seeing his sister in what was obviously an intimate moment took his breath away, and he froze, just staring at her.

  “Ella?” he rasped.

  “Yes, Bran.” Although she flushed with color, his reaction, obviously, amused her.

  Bran stammered, “I...I did not think.”

  “Sit down, Fowler,” Kerrington ordered from somewhere behind him as his friend slipped a shirt over his head.

  The familiarity of the viscount’s voice brought him back to his mission. A shake of his head had cleared his thinking. “Velvet is in trouble.” He turned his back on his sister, not wishing to picture her in Kerrington’s bed.

  “How so?” Worthing took Bran by the arm and led him to a nearby chaise.

  “I received a note from Wellston yesterday morning. Shepherd had intercepted information regarding a plan by Murhad Jamot to take Velvet, likely to use as a bargaining exchange for the emerald. Shepherd had sent Wellston to Scotland because the Earl was in Northumberland and the closest to Edinburgh.” Bran ran his hands through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. “Yet, Berwick reports that he did not reach the Averettes’ home in time. By his arrival, Velvet was missing. Viscount Averette believes his niece ran off to meet me somewhere, and he gives pursuit, working his way towards Thornhill; but Miss Cashé believes, otherwise. She claims she and Velvet saw a man–a dark-skinned man–lurking around the estate on and off for the past week. Plus, because I have never answered one of Velvet’s letters, my cousin assumes I have chosen Lucinda Warren instead. Velvet told Cashé I had forgotten her completely.”

  “How long ago?” Kerrington asked as he continued to dress.

  “Wellston’s letter is dated several days prior. He sent it by ship to Kent. It says Shepherd told him Jamot expects a ship at Liverpool next weekend. I have five days to find Velvet.”

  “Will the man hurt Velvet?” Ella now stood beside her husband.

  “I do not know. I have no idea where to look...who to ask for assistance.” Bran dropped his head in defeat. “But I have to do something.”

  Kerrington touched his shoulder. “Get out of here, and let Ella and I dress. We will meet you downstairs in a few minutes. Lexford is here–just arrived today; he and Daniel are out riding. Lexford is from Cheshire; he can assist us with Liverpool.”

  Bran’s head snapped up. “Thank God.” Ready to take action, he stood immediately. “May I send someone to find the viscount and your son?”

  “Certainly.” Kerrington edged Bran to the door. “We will meet you in the library in a few minutes.” As they reached the open portal, Kerrington took Bran by both shoulders. “We will find Miss Aldridge, Bran. You will know what I know with Eleanor. You will have the same kind of happiness.”

  Bran glanced at his sister standing quietly behind James Kerrington. “Ella, you look beautiful,” he impulsively stated.

  “Most women with child do,” Worthing whispered close to Bran’s ear.

  Bran looked at Kerrington in disbelief. “I am to be an uncle?”

  “Yes, Bran,” Ella uttered the words. “We have just told the Earl and Lady Linworth. When Daniel returns, we plan to tell him.”

  “Oh, Ella,” he rushed past Kerrington to catch his sister in his embrace. “Even in all this madness, you have given me hope. I do so love you.” He clasped her to him.

  She held Bran tightly. “Now, go!” she finally ordered, tears streaming down her face. “We need to find the woman you love.”

  Bran walked to the doorway as Eleanor rushed into Kerrington’s arms. “Take care of him.” Bran heard her plead as Kerrington closed the door.

  “I always have,” came the reply.

  *

  Twenty minutes later, Kerrington, Ella, Lexford, and Bran met in the library. “So, we will ride for Lexford’s place in Cheshire,” Kerrington summarized. “We will set up our base there.”

  “I was thinking,” Lexford added cautiously, “that Jamot was the one who supposedly had wanted to claim Ashmita as his wife. Could he have known of your interest in Miss Aldridge?”

  “Oh, Lord, no!” Bran looked from one face to another as each of them drew the same conclusion. “If he hurts her, I will hunt him down to the ends of the earth.”

  “Let me order horses and make arrangements.” Kerrington took charge. “Ella, would you explain to my parents what is going on?”

  “Certainly, James.” She stood to leave, but Mr. Lucas’s tap on the door halted everything.

  “Excuse, my Lord,” he said as he opened the door, “but Lord Hellsman asks to speak to you at once.”

  “Lowery’s brother?” Lexford looked curious. Although his estate lay only thirteen miles to the north of Linton Park, none of them had much contact with Carter Lowery’s brother Lawrence.

  “Show him in, Mr. Lucas.”

  “Yes, my Lord.”

  Within seconds, Lawrence Lowery stood in the doorway. A man just past his thirtieth birthday, his frame filled the opening. Even with four sisters between them, except for the gray at the elder Lowery’s temples, Lawrence and Carter Lowery looked very much alike. Dark brown hair and eyes highlighted a strikingly handsome face.

  “Lord Hellsman, I hope this visit is not one of ill report.” Kerrington shook the man’s hand and led him forward.

  “No, Worthing...at least, I do not think it is.” Hellsman appeared extremely nervous.

  Worthing gestured to Fowler and Lexford. “You recall His Grace and Viscount Lexford?”

  “Of...of course,” Hellsman stammered. “I did not expect to encounter you here.” Their presence seemed to increase his agitation.

  Kerrington continued the introductions. “And this is my wife, Lady Eleanor Kerrington.”

  Hellsman offered Eleanor a proper bow. “Let me extend my congr
atulations, Viscountess.”

  “Thank you, Lord Hellsman. Please come in and tell us how we might serve you.” Ella gestured to a nearby chair. “May I send for some tea?”

  “That is not necessary, Lady Worthing.” He took another close look at his brother’s friends. “I have an awkward situation I need to address...address you all, I suppose.” When no one stopped him, the man continued. “Late yesterday, a gentleman came to my home and asked for my assistance...Viscount Averette.”

  “Why in Heaven is he doing bothering you?” Bran grumbled.

  “As I am the second-highest ranking man in the country, Averette thought I might help him find his niece, whom he believes is hiding at Linton Park...thinks the girl came to Derbyshire to meet with you, Your Grace. As she is your and Lady Worthing’s cousin and has lived with you until recently. Lord Averette is quite distraught.”

  “Averette thinks that I have arranged some kind of tryst with my cousin?” Bran nearly cursed. “The man thinks I would dishonor Velvet with such blatant defiance!”

  Worthing spoke first. “Lord Hellsman, none of us at Linton Park have seen Miss Aldridge since the day Lord Averette took her to Scotland with him, but we do think the lady is in trouble. Show him the note from Wellston, Bran.”

  Reluctantly, Bran handed the note to the elder Lowery.

  Hellsman read it carefully. “Are these the same men you and my brother fought in Persia?”

  “I believe they are, Sir.” Worthing took a chair across from the man. “However, it is not likely that Averette will believe us. He is singular in his belief that His Grace wishes to dishonor Miss Aldridge.”

  Ella took up the tale. “My bother has loved Miss Aldridge since Velvet was a child. When he left home at the age of seventeen, he told Velvet he would return for her and make our cousin his wife. And despite his love for her, he gave both of us a Season in London–paid for everything–to allow Velvet to choose another if she so wished, but she loves him as much as my brother loves her. Does that sound like a man who would dishonor a woman?”

  “No, it does not, Lady Worthing.” He looked more than a bit chagrined. “I could not imagine that the people with whom Carter associated could be so debase, especially if he is to be your nearest neighbor, Thornhill.”

  “Does Lord Averette realize your connection to this family?” Worthing asked as he took Ella’s hand.

  Hellsman started to answer, but a commotion in the hallway caught their attention. “I must see Worthing immediately!”

  “That sounds like Carter,” Lord Hellsman remarked. Instantly, they were on their feet and moving towards the fracas.

  “Carter!” Hellsman called.

  “What are you doing here?” Carter Lowery shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Never mind.” Turning his head, he caught sight of Bran. “Thank God, Thornhill, I have caught you.”

  Worthing guided Lowery into the library and closed the door. “What is going on, Lowery?”

  “I have been trailing His Grace since yesterday afternoon. Someone...more than likely Talpur...has taken Sonali. They knocked Mrs. Carruthers unconscious, but the doctor thinks she will recover. Here is the note we found in the lady’s grasp.”

  Bran snatched it from his friend’s hand. Opening it, he read,

  Bring the emerald and come alone if you wish to see your daughter again. She will wait for you in her old room in Cornwall. If you bring anyone with you, I will know, and Miss Sonali will meet her mother.

  “I have to go.” Bran started towards the door.

  “What about Velvet?” Ella spoke to his retreating form.

  Bran turned in frustration. “How can I be in two places at once?”

  “It seems to me we need to divide and conquer,” Worthing began. “Let us reason what we know of these men.”

  “Jamot is the more dangerous of the two,” Lord Lexford observed.

  Lowery took the drink Ella silently offered him. “I agree. Talpur is willing to trade Sonali for the emerald. Although he threatens her life, I do not believe he intends to hurt her. She is just a bargaining ticket to him.”

  “And he took Sonali to your old home in Cornwall so she will not be frightened,” Ella spoke quietly as she came to stand beside Bran.

  “Where, on the other hand, Jamot makes no demands, which makes him quite dangerous. We have no idea where he might be hiding Miss Aldridge or what he plans to do with her,” Worthing noted. “Lexford needs to go to Cheshire; he is our only chance to find Miss Aldridge in Liverpool.”

  Ella took Bran’s hand, tightening her grip. “Who will you go after, Bran? The child you rescued or the woman you love?”

  He reached out to touch her cheek. “What should I do, Ella? How do I save them both?”

  She raised her chin and spoke with authority. “Listen to your captain; James will know what to do.” Ella turned to look at her husband. Her eyes told him she believed in him–in his ability to solve this dilemma.

  Worthing returned her gaze. His family had accepted her from the first day she had breezed through his door, disheveled and scared, having escaped from Levering. While he was away, she had saved his sister Georgina’s life and that of his niece. If the incomparable Eleanor Fowler Kerrington believed in him, he would find a way to resolve this. “It seems to me that you need to go to Cheshire with Kimbolt. You two are the strongest fighters, and you will need to be to defeat Jamot. I will take Lowery with me. We will cut across the moors. We can use Thomas’s estate near Exmoor as our base. Georgina’s husband has connections everywhere. He was once part of the Realm and can be trusted.”

  “Lord Amsteadt?” Lowery questioned.

  “We all settle down at one time or another, Lowery,” Worthing noted.

  “But the red hair?” Carter protested. “How did he ever go incognito?”

  “Did you ever hear of a wig?” Lexford teased.

  Worthing took up the plan again. “Sonali will trust any of us; she is used to being with both Lowery and me.”

  Hellsman asked, “May I aid you some way, Your Lordship?”

  “I have an idea, but you may find your trial more demanding than what any of the rest of us face. We need Lord Averette out of the way. If he hears of Miss Aldridge being in Liverpool, the viscount will contact authorities and stir up so much trouble that Jamot will go into hiding and will likely kill his hostage. Right now, Jamot will assume Bran is on his way to Cornwall. Could you return to your estate, assure Lord Averette that his niece is not here, and then offer to escort the viscount to London to look for her? The man is a dinosaur, but if you could do this, it would make our task so much easier.”

  “I have business with my solicitor, and I want to check out a gelding Howard Reed is offering at Tattersalls.”

  “Thank you, Lawrence.” Carter gave his older brother a wink of approval.

  “You will be safe, Carter?” Lawrence Lowery moved to say something private to his brother.

  Eleanor now stood before her husband. “And what of me, Lord Worthing?”

  “You have the hardest task of all, my Dear: You must convince my parents that the sudden appearance of three Realm members and Lord Hellsman means nothing. You must tell my son about our change in family and keep Miss Cashémere from running all over the English countryside once she tracks her uncle here. And, finally, you must protect our child from harm.” He kissed her tenderly as the rest of the room looked on.

  “I love you, James Kerrington,” she whispered. “Bring them all home safely.”

  He nodded before bringing her fingertips to his lips. “Let me order those horses. Ella, would you ask Mrs. Bentley to prepare food for us to have on the road?”

  “Bran and I will eat here. We have a shorter trip to my estate, and we need to create a list of people who might have knowledge of Jamot. May we use your study, Worthing?”

  “Certainly.”

  “I will take my leave,” Hellsman moved to the door. “It will take several hours to return to Blake’s Run; I assume that I
would not be telling Lord Averette a Banbury tale if I said Lord Worthing was away on business, and His Grace was not a member of this household.”

  “I would never wish for your word to be taken lightly, Brother.”

  Hellsman smiled, “I am proud of you, Carter.”

  “And I am of you, Lawrence.”

  Then everyone was in motion–a task to complete.

  “Lucifer will not be happy to be dragged away from your sister’s maid so soon,” Lexford noted as they entered Worthing study.

  Bran mused, “I had forgotten about his suspected interest in Hannah.”

  “I fear the big oaf quite affects her.”

  “Yes, I know exactly how he feels.”

  Chapter 16

  She did not know how long they had traveled; she had guessed six days, but as he had kept her drugged, she could have easily have lost count. Not certain where he was taking her, Velvet had fought for some sense of what happened. She remembered confronting the man for being on her uncle’s property; she remembered the struggle when he had grabbed her, but little else since.

  “What are you doing here?” she had demanded. “I thought my uncle made it quite clear that you were not to be on his property. You frightened Edana with all your questions,” she had foolishly charged.

  And then before she could react or to protect herself, the man had caught her around the waist with one hand and across her mouth with the other, and he had dragged her to his waiting horse. She had kicked at him, but her dainty slippers were of little use against his boots. Finally, a cloth across her mouth eventually left her with nothing but blackness.

  Rocking back and forth on the seat of the carriage, she kept her eyes closed, not wishing him to know that the drug no longer coursed through her veins. For the past two nights, she had slept in the carriage–locked in, gagged, and bound, unable to even move and no way to signal for assistance. Her captor had slept in an inn. She knew it to be an inn because she had recognized the sounds of the comings and goings of the other carriages and of the stable hands as they handled the horses. Other than the driver, she did not think anyone else had accompanied them on this journey.