Nicholas flew down the stairs and into the kitchen. The thin man jumped, dropping his fork.
"You have a message for me?” Nicholas asked and held out his hand.
"You are the duke?"
"Yes."
The man drew out a wrinkled slip of paper and gave it to Nicholas. Nicholas read the note.
"Who gave you this?"
"A fine gentleman gave it to me son. He says he would hire a horse for me to come here and deliver it to only you."
Nicholas ran a hand through his hair. Damn, another late message.
"What time of day would that have been?"
The man shrugged. “Late morning, there abouts."
"Thank you, finish your meal, and rest here tonight. You must have ridden your horse hard and I appreciate it. My butler will see you have food for your trip home tomorrow and a reward for your promptness."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
Nicholas raced upstairs, tearing off his fine clothes as he went. Tonight, they would need to be dressed in black clothes to better hide out of sight. He groaned to himself. Tonight the traitors were after Helena and her sister.
If ever Helena needed to be quick in her actions, it was now. He failed her. He had little time to stop their kidnapping. But he was prepared to trade places with her and he would eventually kill any of the men who dared touch her.
Relieved to find Franklin changed and their men ready, he showed Franklin the note. “We must ride fast. I hope we can arrive in time. We have to try and be ready to do whatever is necessary to save them,” Nicholas said.
Franklin glanced up at the sky. “Luck has not been on our side this day."
The two friends urged their horses into a gallop and the men followed fast behind.
Nicholas knew where the family planned to stop. The guard had mentioned the inn's name in his note. The light faded fast and they dare not run the horses as hard as he'd like. They'd be lucky to get to the inn by one or so in the morning.
The Steeples had probably not arrived until early evening in their slow moving carriage. Nicholas and his group had changed horses an hour ago. Cold determination filled his body. He would get to them in time.
Franklin pulled up beside Nicholas. “You think they'll wait until the early hours?"
"Hope so. They will want to be certain everyone is sound asleep. I think we have a few hours or so to go before they do anything."
"Odell is clever. He has to know we are on our way by now."
"Not necessarily. He kept Lawson with him or we would have heard directly from him. If Odell knows nothing about the note sent to us, then we're in luck."
"Or if he does know, we are riding into a trap."
"I've thought of that and I want us to split up outside of the area around the inn and come in from two different directions."
Franklin nodded and dropped back into the darkness.
* * * *
After a satisfying meal of thick stew and big slices of warm bread spread with butter, Helena took a last swallow of tea and stood.
"Mama and Papa, I am going to retire. The riding and this good meal has made me sleepy,” Helena said and proceeded to kiss her parents on their cheek.
"I'll be up shortly,” Mary Ann said.
Helena could hear the laughter and rumble of conversation coming from the main room of the pub. Looking through the small opening of the door, she saw men sitting at tables while several scantily clad bar maids carried trays of beer to the customers.
Ribald comments filled the air and Helena felt her face flush at some of the jokes. Her parents would be most displeased to see her peeking, but she was interested in seeing how others enjoyed themselves.
An especially pretty barmaid, with long blond hair and a low cut dress, stopped at a back table. Helena almost gasped out loud when she saw a man reach up to put his hand into the maid's top.
Helena started to back away, but watched as the woman slapped his hand playfully and stepped neatly out of his reach. The man turned his face to speak to the woman and Helena felt her breath catch. Odell.
She looked again. The poorly lit, smoke-filled room made it difficult to see, but she was almost certain and—was that Lawson sitting two men over from him? What a coincidence that they would be here at the same inn tonight.
Shivers went down her spine. If not for Lawson, she'd consider they were in danger. But, would Lawson be involved with anyone planning to do her harm? It was hard to believe.
Carefully, she stepped back from the door. Her thoughts raced. There was no time to waste. She must confide in her father.
She hurried to the sitting room and stepped inside. “Papa, would you walk with me?"
Lord Steeples blinked his eyes at Helena. “Excellent idea, a few more moments and I'd been sound asleep."
Mary Ann looked at Helena with questioning eyes. Helena shook her head. “Mary Ann, please stay with Mama. When I return we'll go upstairs."
Closing the door securely behind him, Lord Steeples whispered to Helena. “What is it?"
"I'm not sure, but there is a man in the pub room with Lawson. A strange man who spoke to me at the ball the other night and said he knew me. He looked familiar. I think, Papa, I might have seen him around the night of the failed kidnapping. I can't believe Lawson would be involved, but he is sitting at a table with that man and four others."
Lord Steeples hesitated before speaking.
"We don't have enough men to defend ourselves, do we, Papa?"
"I ‘m counting in my head. The two guards, two coachmen, and me. If they have six men we are not in bad shape. My guess though is there are more men outside. I have a plan. We'll go talk with the innkeeper's wife."
They found her in the hot kitchen and Helena's father requested room changes.
"We would be glad to accommodate you, but there are no other rooms and you have the best.” The woman looked confused.
"Quite all right, we will manage.” Lord Steeples and Helena left the kitchen.
"I'm sure these men have already scouted out our rooms. This is what we will do.
"Get your Mother and Mary Ann and go upstairs. Call out good night as though you are saying good night to both of us, then all of you go inside together.
"Lock the door and have your mother pull the curtains down. After a few minutes blow out the candles and wait for me. Do not leave the room."
"What are you going to do, Papa? Set a trap for the men?"
"Don't worry. Now go and do as I said.” He pushed her forward with his hand.
Helena watched him start toward the back door. He stopped to motion for her guards to go with him
Helena found her mother and Mary Ann waiting impatiently. “What is going on, Helena?” her mother asked.
"I will explain, Mama. First I have orders from Papa to get us to your room."
The three women climbed the stairs in a manner as not to arouse any suspicions. Lord Steeples surprised them coming up behind them and going to the room with them.
"Good night, daughters.” His voice boomed out. “I hope you will rest well. The innkeeper has assured me we have the very best rooms he has to offer.” That said he motioned for both girls to go to their room.
Helena wrinkled her brow in puzzlement. This was not in the plan. She and Mary Ann did as told, closed the door, and waited. The minutes crawled by. Finally, they heard the whisper of their father's voice.
"Quickly now, slip into my room, go. I'll be in here with most of our men. One guard will stay in the hall,” he whispered.
He put a finger to his lips to stop any questions. The girls nodded and staying close to the wall, they crept to their parent's room. Their mother let them in, shut the door, and blew the candle out.
"Do you have a gun?” Helena whispered. “Yes.” Her mother pointed toward the bedside table. “Your father loaded it, in case we need it. I'm as scared of guns as I am of whomever we are hiding from. I doubt I could use it."
"I can.” Both Helena and Mary
Ann spoke in unison.
"Shh. Helena, what are you doing?” Her mother whispered.
Helena's eyes had adjusted to the dark and she moved toward the table, took the gun and then headed toward the door. “I can't just sit here and wait, Mama. I have to help."
"There is a guard right outside our room,” Mary Ann reminded her.
"He can't stop me without making noise. He'll follow me and it will be two more to help Papa and the other men."
"Why did I know you would say those words? I am going to have to go with you."
"No. Stay with Mama."
"If you go, we all three will,” her mother stated. “Let's see what other weapons we can find in here."
Mary Ann found a long stick in the armoire. She held it up in triumph. Helena watched Mama roam the room, picking up various objects, and finally settling on a large vase.
"It is better than nothing,” she said.
They listened at the door. Silence. Hoping the door wouldn't creak, Helena turned the knob and pushed it open. The hallway was dark. Helena waited a second before slipping out with her mother and Mary Ann right behind her . A tall shape came out of the shadows and motioned for them to go back.
Helena recognized the guard and shook her head no. She crept along toward her room and had to hold back a nervous chuckle. How they must look, four in a row creeping down the hall, the guard bringing up the rear.
They each found a hiding spot, mostly in corners and waited outside the door, listening for any noises. A creaking board and the snoring of a nearby guest made Helena want to jump out of her skin.
Helena had no doubt if they survived tonight, her father and Nicholas would be displeased with the chances she and the others took. They would find out it was her idea and the grief would come down on her head. But she was not a frightened miss to stay safe while those she loved were in danger. Evidently, her mother and sister agreed. All they had needed was a little encouragement. Her mother hardly protested. Nevertheless, if things went wrong she would not be able to forgive herself and neither would Papa and Nicholas.
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Chapter 27
Lawson removed his coat and pulled on the black shirt Odell handed him.
"We'll blend right into the night,” Odell assured him.
"I don't know why I have to go into the bedroom with your man,” Lawson protested.
"Because I said so, I'm the boss."
Relief flooded through him. He wanted to be there to prevent them from harming Helena, but he didn't want Odell to suspect. Not sure what he could do to protect the twins, he knew he had to try. If he survived tonight, he'd get his money and run as fast as he could to the nearest ship.
"Where are the rest of your men?” Lawson whispered to Odell.
Odell chuckled, “Tis for me to know and you to wonder.” He motioned for Miles and Lawson to follow him. They moved to the back of the inn. A large tree towered over them.
"You two stay here with Clyde and the others.” Odell motioned to the three burly men standing to the side. “Two of them will climb up to the room and you'll follow,” he said to Lawson. “When they get to the window, you'll be able to help bring the women down.” He studied Lawson's face. “You'll probably have to knock them out to get them down without any racket.” His glance fell to the gun stuck in the front of Lawson's pants. “Use the butt of your gun. That should do the trick."
Before Lawson could reply, Odell disappeared. He was helpless to stop the upcoming events. Even if the duke got his message, he probably wasn't going to be here in time.
The two men boosted each other toward the lower hanging limb. The third man stayed on the ground with Miles. The other two and Lawson inched along toward the tallest part of the tree. The bark cut their hands and the front man swore out loud.
"Hush,” the man behind him growled. “You'll wake them up."
The front man frowned, but continued to climb upward. Lawson's hand touched his gun. He glanced down at Miles. They'd talked earlier, and Miles agreed to help him. Miles had also sensed the danger from Odell. Now he watched Lawson's every move. If they shot now, they could get at least two of the men and arouse the house.
Lawson noted the man with Miles had his attention focused on the men above him. With a slight nod to Miles, he took a quick breath, pulled his gun, and shot the front man.
Miles shot the man standing beside him. The man standing above Lawson pulled out his gun. Lawson grabbed the man's legs and toppled him from the tree. Shimming down, Lawson pulled rope from the man's pocket and tied his hands, while he trashed around in pain.
As they ran for cover, they dodged shots fired from the upstairs window. Once out of sight they took time to reload their guns. Staring toward the twin's window, Lawson spotted armed men surveying the area.
"We may get out of this with our skin yet,” he whispered to Miles as they finished reloading.
* * * *
Nicholas and Franklin heard the gunshots and separated, urging their horses to move faster. Coming to the edge of the clearing, Nicholas halted. Candlelight shone from the windows of the inn, but he didn't see anyone moving about. Probably afraid to at this point. Good.
Dismounting, Nicolas motioned for his men to follow. Darting between trees, they moved farther apart to circle the one side of the yard.
"Odell,” Nicholas yelled into the silence. “I know you're here. It's over. You can't escape, come out."
"No way. We have your woman and we're going to kill her, in front of you."
"Prove to me you have her. Show me,” Nicholas shouted.
Nicholas saw a slight movement, but motioned for his men to hold their fire. If Odell did have the twins, he didn't want them injured or killed by mistake. He strained his eyes, trying to see if Franklin's group was in position, but the starless night held them all sightless.
* * * *
"Where are the women?” Odell asked his second in command. “Go check out back. From the sound of the gun shots, something has gone wrong. We'll blast into the inn and find them. We have to have them, now."
The man went toward the back and a gunshot rang out as soon as he turned the corner. Odell winced. They betrayed him and if it was the last thing he did, he would kill those two.
"Where are the women, Odell?” Nicholas shouted.
"They're with my men. They have orders to shoot them unless you come out in the next five minutes."
"I want to see them first."
"Maybe you don't understand. I have nothing to lose and I don't have to do anything you say any more. And believe me I have no qualms about shooting them. I'd enjoy it,” Odell snarled. A harsh laugh filled the night air.
"I'm going to kill you, Odell for being a traitor to your country and especially for considering you can harm one of mine,” Nicholas shouted.
"Try and she dies."
* * * *
Helena's father and the guards came bursting out of the room and ran by so fast they never saw the four hidden in the hall. Helena motioned and they all sped down the stairs behind them. The one guard grabbed her arm and yelled at her and the other two women to stay upstairs.
Helena raised her pistol. “I will not stay here and do nothing."
"This is the last assignment I take to guard a woman. You are a menace.” Pushing her aside, he ran toward the men stopped at the front door.
Helena, her mother, and Mary Ann followed close behind. Helena saw her father frown and move his head for them to get back, but all three stood resolute with their weapons.
Time stood still. The landlord came out to the pub room. “What the devil is goin’ on here?"
"Get down and be quiet,” one of the guards snapped. The landlord frowned, but moved behind his bar, waiting with the others.
* * * *
Harry had been very wrong, Helena thought. Nicholas would fight for what he wanted. He sounded like he would kill, if necessary.
Helena heard the men's voices. She crept to the window. Ni
cholas’ calm cold voice sent shivers down her spine. The warrior, hiding under the polite well dressed duke, was out tonight. A flush of warmth went through her body as she thought of his determination to save her.
Only Nicholas didn't know she was safe and at any moment he might come out from his cover to rescue her. Helena crept quietly toward the other door to the pub room. Everyone stared out the windows.
Her guard saw her too late. He yelled, but she slipped outside and leaned breathless against the wall. Holding her gun in sweaty hands, she squatted and yelled.
"I'm safe, Nicholas. Don't come out."
"What?” Odell ran in the direction of her voice.
"Helena, get inside,” the duke's voice rang out.
Helena edged back against the wall, trying to see into the darkness. A sudden break in the clouds let moonlight show through. A tall shadow loomed in front of her. Odell.
He grabbed at her. She brought up her gun to shoot him, but he twisted her wrist until she dropped it.
"Bitch, I have you, finally. She's mine, now,” he shouted as he raised his gun to her head. Pushing her along in front of him, he placed himself where Nicholas could see his captive. “You see her now? Come out or I'll blast a bullet into this pretty head."
"Let her go, Odell. This is between you and me. Meet me man to man,” Nicholas, shouted back.
"I'm not a fool. The cards are all in my hand."
Suddenly shots rang out from the stable area and horses fled through the open door.
Odell jerked around and for one split second, the gun moved away from Helena's head. The shot blasted her ears and blood flew all around. Helena felt the reverberations of the shot and fell to the ground.
* * * *
Nicholas ran and picked her up. She felt light, frail in his arms. “When, my dear, will you learn to follow instructions?” he whispered.
"Is she all right?” Franklin came rushing to his side.
"I believe her female sensibilities finally came forward and she fainted. Thank goodness. She didn't need to see anymore. She's already seen too much.” Nicholas motioned to the still body lying at their feet.
"Not a pretty sight,” Franklin acknowledged. “It's a good thing you've always been the best marksman around."
The Duke's Dilemma Page 22