A Most Peculiar Season Series Boxed Set: Five Full-length Connected Novels by Award-winning and Bestselling Authors

by Michelle Willingham

  He unlocked his desk drawer and removed his notes. When he looked up, Esham stood before his desk. Curse the man, he was as silent as smoke—an asset in his business, he was certain, but unnerving to others.

  “Anything new?” Esham asked.

  Dare passed him the folded paper that Madame Seyes had given him. “The field is narrowing. These are the men who were present the other night when Lord Halston noted his diamond cravat pin was gone. If you compare this information with the other lists, only three names remain.”

  As Esham compared the lists, Mills brought a coffee service and another cup. He left it on the sideboard and closed the library doors behind him. When Esham looked up, his face was grim.

  “Difficult to believe, Collingwood. Good men, good families, good futures—dashed to bits when this comes out. No matter which one it is, the ton will be shocked.”

  “Aye.” But Dare was certain enough to place a sizable wager on the results. Lancelot Carr. But how could he prove it? By her own admission, Trudy had learned her pickpocketing skills from a gypsy who camped on their land. And he knew that Trudy and Lancelot had been inseparable in those days. What Trudy learned, Lancelot would also have learned.

  “So...” Esham poured himself a cup of coffee, sat across the desk from Dare, and took a sip. “It’s Carr, Rother, or Morvill.” He gave a loud guffaw. “Wouldn’t that take the cake—a duke as a jewel thief! That would feed the gossip mills for months. Hell, years! In any case, it’s a member of the ton, not an interloper or servant.”

  “I cannot imagine why any of them would do this. To compound the confusion, I’m guessing Littleworth and Morton are up to something nefarious,” Dare admitted, “but not the thefts. The lists eliminate them.”

  “Where do you want to go from here? Put a runner on each of them? Wait for another theft?”

  Dare scratched his head. “That could take too long. I only have a few days left.”

  “Your wager coming due, eh?”

  He gave Esham a dark look. “Ill advised, I will admit.”

  “Have an idea?”

  “I will ask Morton to mention that he is carrying his diamond-encrusted snuff box and flash it around a bit. That’s a tempting little prize—antique, from the court of Louis XIV. Any self-respecting thief would covet that bauble.”

  “When and where?”

  “Tomorrow night at Halston’s fête. Halston has twice been a victim—his cravat pin and his wife’s diamond-and-sapphire bracelet. I think he will be eager to help.”

  “You will arrange my invitation?”

  “This afternoon.”

  Esham sat back in his chair and narrowed his eyes. “There seems to be something quite personal about this, Collingwood. Are you certain you do not have more than a wager riding on the outcome?”

  That Trudy would never marry him if he turned her beloved brother in? That he’d begun to question his long-held beliefs about law and justice? Or that, somewhere in this process, he’d changed and was no longer the same man who’d begun this journey? He could only shrug. “There’s always something personal about any endeavor I undertake.”

  A crooked smile was the only indication that Esham was on to his evasion. “Be that as it may, if you have any special instructions, perhaps you ought to inform me. Wouldn’t care to step on your toes, so to speak.”

  “Your only instruction, Esham, is to inform me in person—nothing written—before making any arrest or denouncement. I must be the first to know.”

  “Same here, Collingwood.” Esham took an appreciative drink of coffee. “So you think it’s the brother, eh?”

  “What brother?”

  “Miss Gertrude’s brother. Your ladylove.”

  Devil take the man! He’d deduced what damn few had. “What the hell do you know about that?”

  It was Esham’s turn to look annoyed. “Surely you don’t think I’d work for a man about whom I know nothing?”

  Ah. Gone was the rough amiable investigator with the first appearance of an educated, well-spoken and intelligent man. William Esham was just what Dare suspected he was all along. “I’ve never underestimated you, Esham—if that is your name—and I’d never have put your name on guest lists if I thought you’d botch it. But I am impressed by your thoroughness.”

  “A trait of mine. So, if it’s the brother, what are you going to do?”

  Whatever he must. He glanced at the clock again. “Later, Esham. I have urgent business to attend.”

  Trudy dashed down Holles Street and rounded the corner onto Oxford Street. Skippy had departed earlier. She’d read his mail and learned that some of the men on his list would be gambling near St. Charles Street. Heavens! Was he going back for more of the same? Did he intend to denounce them? Call them out?

  She’d told her parents she was not feeling well again, waved them off—with Fiona and Laura—to their entertainments tonight. Colonel Burke had sent a note explaining that he’d been asked to attend a regimental dinner and would not be able to join them until later, if at all.

  But she had every intention of saving Skippy from himself. The lout! If there was no way out, they should beg for time to make good on the markers and keep it quiet in the meantime. Oh, her brother would say he was too proud for such a ploy, but any other alternative would shame the entire family—and just before Laura’s wedding! No, he had to be stopped at any cost. The problem must be addressed.

  She’d gone no more than ten paces when Collingwood’s coach pulled up beside her and the door opened. “Get in, Trudy.”

  Only half surprised, she took his extended hand and let him pull her into the coach to sit next to him. “How did you know?”

  He gave her a look of pained patience. “When you did not leave with your parents this evening, I surmised you had your own plans.”

  “You have someone watching me? My house?”

  He merely shrugged and gave her a crooked smile. “Where are you off to tonight?”

  “The hells.”

  “You have a thirst for gambling?”

  “You know why.”

  Dare raised an eyebrow, then called up to his driver. “St. Charles, Harper!” He turned back to her, a skeptical look on his face. “I suspect I know why. Lancelot is ‘up to something.’ Perhaps you ought to just tell me what it is that you suspect him of.”

  She sighed. “Something scandalous, I suppose.”

  “You think he’s the Shadow.”

  She managed a curt laugh. “That’s absurd. Did you not accuse me of being the Shadow just last night?”

  His mood seemed to change and he slipped his arm around her to gather her against him. “Last night... oh, God, Trudy...” He leaned his forehead against hers. “I am sorry. I never meant for that to happen.”

  She reached up and smoothed a boyish lock back from his forehead. “Are you sorry that it happened? Or sorry that it happened with me?”

  “Sorry that it happened now, though it was bound to happen sooner or later. I took advantage... I never should have... but I...”

  Heavens! Had Collingwood lost his icy control? How very intriguing. But she should put his mind to rest. “And here I have been thinking that I took advantage of you. I have a clear recollection of you trying to withdraw and of me urging you for more. As a gentleman, did you have any other choice but to accommodate my wishes? Thus, you are released from any accountability.”

  “Not on your life, chit! I acquired a special license this afternoon. We can be married forthwith.”

  “No! I mean...” Married! Oh, how she wanted to consent and throw herself into his arms! But, dear Lord! Mother would never recover from such a shock. “Laura’s wedding must come off without a hiccup. Then Fiona.”

  “And if you are with child?”

  Shock silenced her for a moment. A child? His child? Why did that thought not trouble her? But they only... once. No. She couldn’t think about that now. She took a deep breath. “A week, Dare. What difference could that make? Allow Mother that one s
uccess, and Fiona to announce her match, and then we will tell her and Father.”

  He sighed and shook his head. “I fear I will regret even that much.” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Fiona will have to marry last.”

  Wouldn’t Fi just love that? “Perhaps we could marry secretly? Wait for Fiona’s wedding and then announce our own?”

  “Once we marry, you will come home with me. I will not wait to have you by my side. And in my bed.”

  “Oh...” Her cheeks grew warm just thinking about that. In truth, she could not wait for that either.

  He smiled and lowered his lips to hers. His kiss was long and leisurely, and she had no idea how much time had passed when the coach slowed on St. Charles Street and Harper called down to them.

  “Which number, m’lord?”

  “Sixty-two is as good a place to start as any.”

  “Sixty-two it is, m’lord.”

  “Is that establishment not notorious for faro?” Trudy asked.

  Dare nodded. “And macao, among other things. But we won’t gamble, Trudy. Our purpose is to find Lancelot, is it not?”

  “And observe what he is doing.”

  But before they could exit the coach, Colonel Burke staggered out of the building, his arm slung around a woman with a generous bosom and a vividly painted face, and crossed to the other side.

  “Dear heavens! What is Colonel Burke doing? He is supposed to be at a regimental dinner.”

  He gave her a droll smile. “An excuse to slip away. He’s going to find a room somewhere, if I read him right. Wait here while I see if Lancelot is within.” Dare threw the coach door open and stepped down.

  “I’m going, too.” She hopped down to the street and wiggled around him.

  “Trudy—”

  “I will keep my hat on and my head down.”

  But before she could take a step, he’d snatched her up, deposited her back into the coach and closed the door. She was just about to give him a piece of her mind when he shook his head. “We must stick to our business. You wait here. If anyone recognized you as a woman they might mistake you for a doxy. God forbid they recognize you as Gertrude Carr.”

  “Oh, surely not. Lancelot is probably sporting.”

  “Different sport, m’dear,” Dare said. “I doubt you would have any interest in what happens next.”

  “But... but... Colonel Burke... he is... oh!”

  “Forget what you saw, Trudy. This has nothing to do with your sister.”

  “Why, it certainly does,” she huffed. “He should not be sporting with women. He is about to become a married man. And Skippy? What can he be thinking?”

  Dare smiled. “What were you thinking last night?”

  “But that’s different. Skippy has no ladylove. The Colonel does. And has vowed to keep himself only for Laura.”

  “That sort of dalliance means nothing.”

  “Truly?” She narrowed her eyes. “Are you saying you will entertain doxies after we marry?”

  “Of course not. Ours is a match of our own choosing. Laura’s is arranged.”

  “And that excuses Burke from his vows? Oh, this is dreadful. Laura will feel so... so betrayed.”

  “Then the solution is simple. Do not tell her. That would only cause trouble.”

  As she watched, Colonel Burke pinched the doxy’s bosom and pressed a sloppy, drunken kiss on her cheek, evoking a shrill squeal and a burst of laughter. How could she remain silent when she knew something so important about Colonel Burke’s character? Laura had a right to know.

  She emitted a soft sigh. “I would not concern myself if I believed Laura loved him, or that he loved her, but now... I think Laura could have stomached the marriage if she believed the colonel loved her, but it appears as if it is merely a marriage of convenience for both of them. She’d be happier alone if she cannot have the only man she’s ever loved.”

  “I have never seen your sister to be passionate. In fact, she is so composed at all times that I must doubt she has any passionate emotions.”

  “Laura may appear that way, but her feelings run very deep. She is actually quite passionate. She cares deeply about the things and people she loves. Perfect composure was one of Mother’s constant lessons.”

  “Indeed?”

  The laughter in his voice made her chuckle. “I listened, I simply did not take it to heart. Neither did Fiona.”

  Dare took her hand. “Who was it, Trudy? Who did Laura love so deeply?”

  “She will not say, but I believe it was years ago, and is the reason she never married until now. Until Mother said she must.”

  He looked thoughtful. “I wonder... yes, I wonder.”

  “You know who he is?”

  He shrugged as if putting the subject aside. “I never meddle in other people’s business. And neither will you. Since it is obvious what Burke is up to, I am going to take you home, and you are going to stay there.”

  She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Could we take the long way again?”

  He gave her a stern look, but the laughter in his eyes betrayed him. “I think I shall have to convert my coach to a couch.”

  Chapter Eleven

  TRUDY SORTED THROUGH Laura’s new lingerie as the morning sun cast a pure light over the items scattered across her bed. She folded a chemise carefully, smoothed the delicate fabric and placed it on a pile. “Is Bosworth bringing your trunk?”

  “Yes. Just leave those things on a stack in the meantime.” Laura’s voice was listless. Almost disinterested.

  “Goodness, Laura. You are leaving for India in no time at all! Are you not just a little bit excited?”

  She raised one exquisite eyebrow. “I doubt it will be much different than here but for the climate. The colonel has said I will be withering in the British community—not mixing with the natives.”

  “Ah. Too bad. I should very much like to ‘mix with the natives’—see a tiger and ride an elephant, and even visit the Taj Mahal. Do you suppose you could arrange that if I came to see you?”

  Laura turned to her, a genuinely warm smile on her face. “You would do that, Trudy? It is so far to come, but I would be ecstatic. Mother and Father have never once mentioned coming, nor have Fi and Skippy. I had thought I’d be quite alone.”

  “You will always be my sister, Laura. I cannot imagine never seeing you again. Colonel Burke will likely be reassigned here after several years. Surely you will not be gone forever.”

  A shadow crossed Laura’s face. “He said he finds the opportunities in India difficult to resist. For advancement, I suppose. And I have concluded that he is not overly anxious to return to England permanently. I think he has some sort of business enterprise in India, and dealings with the natives.”

  Native women, no doubt! Trudy groaned as she fought a losing battle with her good resolutions. “I am going to tell you something, Laura, but you mustn’t ask me how I know. I cannot... betray a confidence.”

  “This sounds mysterious.” Laura sat on the edge of her bed.

  “It’s about Colonel Burke.”

  Laura merely gave a listless shrug. “I doubt you could surprise me.”

  Trudy took a deep breath and forged ahead. “He... he has a mistress.”

  Laura laughed. “Oh! That does surprise me, though I think not. That would cost the colonel more than he would be willing to pay. The man is very tight with a penny.”

  “If the woman I saw him with is not a mistress, then Colonel Burke frequents women of ill repute. Doxies! Certainly not his mother or sister!”

  Laura closed her eyes and shuddered. “And that would not surprise me, either. So it was you who caught him out. Where did you encounter him with women of ill repute?”

  Scorching heat burned her cheeks. “I... well, he did not see me. I was passing, and saw him... groping... that is...”

  Laura glanced down at her folding again. “What has any of that to do with me?”

  “He... he... Well, are you not outraged?”

/>   Laura stood and went to sort through her jewelry box. “Have you seen my gilded-rose pin? The one I like to wear with my pink gown?”

  “Laura, did you hear me?”

  She turned and looked at Trudy with a calm countenance. “Why should I care? I do not love the man. What is it to me what he does in his own time? If you are concerned about my silly outburst the other day at the dressmaker’s, please put it out of your head. Nerves, just as Fiona said. That’s all.”

  Bloodless. The word finally made sense to Trudy. There was nothing in Laura’s voice or manners that spoke of passion. Of love or hate or outrage or even pride. Laura was emotionally dead.

  “Do not worry, Trudy. I will marry the colonel. That is the least I can do for you and Fiona. And to spare Mother and Father the embarrassment of crying off at this late date. But do not ask me to care. I stopped caring four years ago.”

  Ah, she’d been right! Laura had only been twenty-and-two, and she’d been the sensation of the season. A dozen young men had vied for her hand. She must have fallen deeply in love to be affected so long afterward.

  “I am not worried, Laura. I’d much rather you did cry off.”

  “And become a spinster? An ‘ape leader’? No. With Burke I might at least have a child or two, and enjoy the company of society. I have come to believe he has done me a favor, actually.” She crossed the room to stare out the window, her voice barely audible when she said, “I shall have to remember to thank him.”

  “Thank him? Are you mad? You haven’t yet said your vows and he is already being unfaithful! You haven’t a prayer of having a congenial marriage if this continues.”

  Laura blinked and Trudy saw a flash of the old Laura appear as she crossed the room and gripped Trudy by the shoulders. “It is the way of the world, Trudy! Accustom yourself to the reality. I have no right to demand fidelity from William Burke because, every day, in my heart, I am unfaithful to him. I will never love him as I loved... and he will never love me. But we will forge a life together and produce heirs. That is all we can expect of one another. And it will have to be enough.”

  “But—”

  “I never want to hear another word about this matter. Do you understand, Trudy? It is finished.”