He finished the food on his plate in silence, and when he laid his fork down, he noticed she’d finished eating, too. “Are you ready to retire?” he asked her when he saw her stifle a yawn.
“Yes, in a few minutes. But first, would you mind if we walked around outside?”
Briggs hesitated.
“We’ll take the staff with us as chaperones,” she added. “I’m sure they’d enjoy stretching their legs, too, before we retire. It seems all we’ve done this whole day is sit.”
“Very well.” Briggs helped her to her feet. “I’ll send one of your maids for a wrap, then we’ll go for a short walk.”
When the maid returned with Lady Pauline’s wrap, he placed it around her shoulders, then escorted her to the door.
He knew she’d only been looking out for her staff’s welfare, as well as her own. The ladies had been confined inside a carriage all day, but the thought of walking with Lady Pauline in the moonlight was torture of the worst kind.
Even the six servants acting as chaperones were hardly a deterrent to the thoughts that crept into his mind.
Briggs thought of the country home his mother could enjoy when this assignment was over. He reminded himself of the money she would receive to spend as she wanted. He considered what his family would lose if he allowed his emotions to ruin everything.
He held out his hand and she hooked her arm through the bend in his elbow. Even the small army of servants surrounding them didn’t dampen his runaway emotions. The moon was too full. The breeze too inviting. The perfect evening too…perfect.
Just as she was too…perfect.
CHAPTER 5
It had been several years since Polly had been to Redwood Manor, but it hadn’t changed at all since she’d last been here. The manor house wasn’t as massive as some of her father’s other estates, but it was spacious nonetheless. The interior wasn’t as ornate and gilt-laden as the interiors of some of their other estates, but the moment she entered, she felt at home.
“Did you need anything else, my lady?”
“No, thank you, Millie.”
Her maid had already unpacked her trunks, and brought up a tea tray. Dinner wouldn’t be served until later, so Mr. Murdock had insisted she rest until then.
Polly was never one to sleep in the afternoon, but for some reason, the turned-down bed looked very inviting. The trip to Redwood Manor had tired her out. “I think I’ll finish my tea before I lie down.”
“Very good, my lady. If there’s nothing else, I’ll check on the staff and see if they need anything. Mrs. Glover, the housekeeper, has seen to everything.”
“Be sure to tell Mrs. Glover I appreciate her competence,” Polly said. “And thank you, Millie. I appreciate everything you’ve done, too.”
“Not at all, my lady.”
Millie left the room and Polly was alone.
Polly relaxed back in her chair and placed her cup and saucer in her lap. She closed her eyes and tried not to think of the man her father had hired to look out for her, but that was impossible. His handsome face appeared the second she closed her eyes.
It was obvious he was trying hard to separate himself from her. She told herself she should help him in his efforts. But she couldn’t help herself. She didn’t want to be separated from him. She felt a connection to him she didn’t understand. Her father would tell her she was being silly, but she felt as if she’d known Briggs Murdock her whole life. And that not only did their pasts hold a connection, but their futures, too.
Polly took the last sip of her tea, then placed the cup and saucer on a small table when there was a knock on the door.
“Yes.”
“Oh, good, my lady. You haven’t laid down yet. Mr. Murdock asks if you would mind joining him in the study downstairs. He asked to see the staff, too.”
“Of course. Tell him I’ll be right down.”
Millie left, and Polly checked her appearance before following her.
She paused inside the door to the study. She didn’t remember ever being in this room before.
Mr. Murdock was behind the desk making notes on a piece of paper. When he saw her, he rose.
He walked to her and extended his arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t give you much time to rest, my lady. But I thought it was important that everyone be aware of what was required of them as soon as possible.”
“Of course.”
Polly sat in the chair nearest the desk, and the staff stood in orderly rows behind her.
“Thank you all for your prompt attendance,” he said, when the Redwood butler, Hanes, indicated all were present. “I feel it is important that you know that the Lady Pauline was sent here from London to avoid a possible threat to her life.”
There was a gasp of surprise from the staff standing behind her.
“The threat is connected with a bill Lord Stepmoore has in the House of Lords. As soon as the matter is concluded, the threat will be over and the lady will be free to return.”
There was a rustle behind her and Polly imagined the surprise and concern from the staff. She wished Mr. Murdock wouldn’t have mentioned the reason she was here, but it was too late now.
“I know Lady Pauline didn’t intend for you to know about this, but it’s essential that you are aware of what is going on if we are going to work together to keep the lady safe.”
“Tell us what you want us to do,” Hanes said.
Several of the staff murmured their willingness to help.”
“The most important thing you can each do is to keep your eyes open. Watch out for any strangers. If anyone comes near Redwood, I want to be informed immediately. No matter if it’s a regular delivery or someone unexpected. Even someone you know.”
Polly heard the murmurings of assent. From the building tension in the room, she knew without looking that Briggs Murdock had her staff in the palm of his hand.
He stepped out from behind the desk. “Two other points. Tomorrow the Dowager Countess of Plainsworth and the Dowager Viscountess of Shillingsham will arrive. Please have rooms prepared for them close to Lady Pauline’s, Mrs. Glover.”
“Of course, Mr. Murdock,” the housekeeper replied.
“And Barnes, I used the list of male staff members you gave me and made out a rotating schedule. It will be necessary for them to act as sentry around the manor house. The staff will make an hourly round of the grounds to look for anything that might seem suspicious.”
“I’ll see to it, Mr. Murdock,” Barnes said.
“From now until it’s safe for Lady Pauline to leave, we need to take every precaution to ensure that Redwood Manor is secure. Every door and window needs to be locked at all times, and no one will be permitted to enter without my permission.”
“You can count on us,” Barnes answered. His reply was met with a rousing voice of support.
“Thank you,” Briggs said. “You will be updated periodically of any further action that needs to be taken.” With that, he nodded that the meeting was at an end.
The staff filed out of the room.
Polly heard the increasing buzz of voices in the hall outside the room. The excitement was palpable.
“I’ll meet with you in the morning, Barnes. I will answer any questions you have at that time,” Mr. Murdock said when Barnes reached the door.
“Very well, sir.”
“And please, leave the door open.”
“As you wish,” Barnes said, then left.
When everyone was gone from the room except Millie and one other maid, Polly rose from her chair. She walked to the open double French doors and looked out onto the terrace.
“You were very effective, Mr. Murdock.”
“Thank you, my lady,” he answered. “Although I don’t think you meant your words as a compliment.”
Polly turned to face him. He was smiling. “You find this amusing?”
He remained where he was, but lowered his tall frame to the corner of the massive desk. He wasn’t that far away from her. “What I find amu
sing is your subtle way of telling me that I embarrassed you.”
Polly walked back into the room. “You did. You made it sound like someone might be waiting outside for the chance to harm me.”
“Are you so sure someone isn’t?”
Polly rolled her eyes heavenward. “Of course I am. My father is just being overprotective.”
“With good cause, I assure you.”
“How can you say that? No one even knows we’re here.”
“Perhaps not yet, but it won’t be difficult to follow our lead. If you remember, we hardly traveled unnoticed. There was a farmer entering London with milk to sell that we met before dawn. Then there were the three herdsmen bringing their goats to market. They definitely took note of the fancy carriage that forced them to herd their goats to the side of the road. Then, of course, there was Mr. and Mrs. Thistle. I’m sure the good lady couldn’t wait to tell anyone within whistling distance about the fine lady who stayed the night. Then there was the—”
“Yes, yes. You’ve made your point.”
“The point of the matter is that you do not want to believe that anyone would be so determined to prevent your father’s bill from reaching a vote in the House that they’d resort to murder in hopes of preventing your father from introducing it.”
Polly shook her head. “What could make someone—anyone—that desperate?”
“Greed, my lady. Money is a great motivator.”
“I can’t believe that,” Polly said. She paced the room. Such a thought was impossible to comprehend.
“That’s because you have never had to go without. People are capable of committing all kinds of acts when faced with losing what they’ve relied on to survive. And your father’s bill would cause change from one end of England to the other.”
“You agree with my father?” She was surprised. “You believe there is a threat?”
“Do you think your father would have sent you this far from London if he didn’t think it was necessary? Do you think I would have accepted the assignment if I didn’t agree with him?”
Polly staggered a step backward. “Knowing my father, he could have just taken a comment the wrong way. Or misunderstood something someone said. He’s that protective of me. He always has been.”
“Perhaps. But there was proof.”
“Proof? What proof?”
“Didn’t your father show you the letter?”
“What letter?”
“The letter he received that threatened to harm you if he continued to pursue the bill he intended to introduce before the House.”
“He didn’t show me a letter.”
Polly considered the revelation that she might truly be in danger. “Why you, Mr. Murdock? There are other men who could have escorted me to Redwood Manor. Why did you agree to work for a man you obviously detest?”
“My reasons are my own.”
“And you refuse to share them?”
“Yes. I refuse to share them. Other than to say that your father offered me a price I couldn’t refuse.”
Polly stepped to her chair and sank back onto the cushion. “I see.”
“I hope you do, my lady. It’s imperative that you understand how things are between us. And how they will remain. I am here to protect you. And that is exactly what I intend to do.”
He rose from the corner of the desk and towered over her. “It is extremely important that you do not go out on your own. You will only cause undue worry for the staff here at Redwood who have sworn to watch out for you. Then, please consider the overwhelming grief your father would feel if something were to happen to you.”
“And you?”
His eyebrows arched. Then a frown furrowed his brows. “I would have failed my assignment. That is something I find unacceptable. I would also fail to get what your father offered to pay me.”
“That is all?”
His confused expression embarrassed her. “What else is there?”
“Nothing, sir. Of course there is nothing more.” Polly fought the pain that pressed against her chest as she considered his words. “You don’t soften your words, do you?”
“Not when there’s more to be gained by being honest.”
Polly looked into his intensely dark eyes, then rose from her chair. “Then let me assure you, I understand what is expected of me.”
“I thought you would.” He confirmed his answer with a sharp nod.
She took a step toward the door. His words stopped her.
“I’m sure we’ll eat before long, but perhaps you’d like to stroll through the garden before we’re called in to dinner?”
“No, I think not,” she answered. She wasn’t brave enough to be alone with him right now. He’d just told her that the only reason he’d agreed to guard her was because her father was paying him well. Very well. And he made sure she realized that she meant nothing to him. Nothing at all.
All she wanted at this moment was to be as far away from Mr. Briggs Murdock as she possibly could. For a few short days he’d been her Prince Charming. He’d been the man she’d always dreamed of meeting. But he wasn’t. He couldn’t be. If they were meant for each other, he would feel the same way.
And he didn’t.
CHAPTER 6
Every day was a living hell.
Being with her, yet pretending that he didn’t notice her, that he wasn’t fascinated with her drove him to distraction. Watching her every move, her every expression, her every false smile was driving him mad. Sitting in the same room with her, eating at the same table, walking side by side was a torture greater than he could bear. And every day the torment continued. She was the first to join him at the breakfast table each morning.
It had been more than two weeks since they’d arrived at Redwood Manor. The Dowager Countess of Plainsworth and the Dowager Viscountess of Shillingsham had arrived the following afternoon as expected. What wasn’t expected, was the guard Lord Stepmoore, with Mack Wallace’s help, no doubt, had sent with them—fellow Brigade investigator, Roarke Livingston.
Briggs had never been happier to see anyone in his life. Maybe Roarke would help him take his mind off of Polly Jordan. Maybe Roarke would help him forget the hurtful things he’d said to her. His cruel words.
His lies.
“What are the plans this morning?” Roarke said when they dismounted after they’d ridden the perimeter of Redwood Manor to make sure that everything was secure.
“The ladies need to go for a walk. They need to get out of the house and enjoy this fine morning.”
Roarke laughed. “You mean Lady Pauline needs to get out of the house and enjoy this fine morning.”
“Which she does,” Briggs countered. “She spends too much time indoors. She’s losing her color.”
“You would notice.”
Briggs stopped. “What do you mean by that?”
“Just that you seem inordinately interested in the lady.”
“I’ve been hired to protect her. Of course I’m interested in her. It would hardly be to my advantage to protect her from an assassin’s bullet, yet have her fall ill because she was kept indoors too much.”
“Is that all there is, Briggs?”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“Don’t be like that. I’ve got eyes in my head. It doesn’t take a mind reader to know the two of you are attracted to each other.”
“We’re not attracted to each other. We can’t be attracted to each other. She’s the daughter of an earl. I’m the son of a tenant farmer.”
“Somehow, I don’t think that matters to the lady.”
“Well, it has to. It doesn’t matter how we might feel about each other. Nothing can develop between us. I’ll lose everything if it does.” Briggs slapped his hand against his thigh. “Now, get something to eat and make another round. I’m worried about the east border. We might have to post another guard there. There are more places for someone to sneak through than I realized.”
Roarke nodded, then went inside the
house.
Briggs stayed outside for a few minutes to give himself time to compose himself. He was being too sensitive. He knew he was. But where Lady Pauline was concerned, he couldn’t help himself. She’d changed, and it was his fault.
The smile that lit up the room when he first met her wasn’t there any longer. Oh, she still smiled. In fact, there was something that resembled a smile pasted on her face every hour of the day. But it was the most insincere smile imaginable. She wore it like a puppet wears the expression painted on its wooden face. A smile that never slips, or wavers. Or allows anyone to notice that the person wearing it is not really happy.
The sparkle in her eyes was gone. When he’d first glimpsed her across the room the night of Mack’s dinner, her eyes had sparkled with a noticeable zeal and enthusiasm for life. That radiance was no longer evident. All that remained was a dull reminder of the glimmer that had once glowed with dazzling brilliance. And he was the person who had stolen that life from her smile and her eyes.
Briggs wondered if her aunts noticed it, too. But doubted it. They were too occupied enjoying each other’s company and discussing the latest society gossip to take note of the unhappy Lady Pauline. In their defense though, he had to admit that they were exemplary chaperones. Each lady took her job with the utmost seriousness. Lady Pauline was never out of their sight.
That didn’t mean that they included her in their conversations, or their activities. If Lady Pauline went to the library, they accompanied her. While she quietly read, the two elderly dowagers visited. If Lady Pauline indicated she wanted to take a walk, Briggs of course accompanied them. He wouldn’t allow them out of the house without him.
And so it was that every day Lady Pauline distanced herself from what was going on around her. So far removed that Briggs was getting worried.
“You are very quiet, my lady,” he said as they walked on the paths that wound through the massive garden behind Redwood Manor.
“Am I?”
“Yes. Are you worried for your safety?”
She stopped mid stride and turned to face him. “With you to protect me, Mr. Murdock? How could I be, knowing how seriously you take your job?”
Love Unbidden: Tales of the Bedford Street Brigade Page 10