Gabe nodded. “I know of this band of brotherhood very well. I was part of this group when I lived in Philadelphia.”
“Ah, yes. I remember you telling me now. They are Patriots. They are against Britain’s rules and taxes, almost as much as we are.”
“So why was your brother part of this organization?” Gabe shook his head. “If your brother was involved with your father’s deceitful ways, why would they associate with men who want to fight for their freedom?”
Marcus turned and faced the window, gazing outside onto the busy street. He knew his father too well to be involved in such a group like the SOL. So what was his father’s game?
“You’re correct, Gabe. This isn’t normal behavior for my father. We must keep a sharp eye out and look for anything suspicious.”
“I agree.”
An open carriage pulled in front of the building and stopped. The driver jumped down and helped a woman descend. She didn’t look familiar. Marcus knew a lot of women, but they were mainly from the docks and surrounding areas. This lady dressed too fancy to live around here. Her sandy hair wound in a fashionable style on top of her head, instead of the white wigs women wore. She headed for the front door. He pushed past Gabe to see to his visitor.
When he allowed her entrance, she nodded and sashayed inside. “Good day,” he greeted.
She flashed him with a sultry grin. “It’s a pleasant afternoon, my lord.”
The woman glanced around the office, her mouth twisted in distaste. “This is a quaint place you’ve purchased, Matthew.” She met his gaze. “And it makes me wonder why you would even consider this kind of endeavor.”
Whoever the lady was, she knew his brother intimately. How would she know Gabe was the owner…. unless perhaps his brother had mentioned it to her before he’d died. Marcus arched an eyebrow. “You don’t approve?”
She flipped her hand. “It’s far beneath you, but I suppose if it’s what you like.”
“I do,” he clipped.
The woman met Gabe’s stare. She curtsied then held out her hand. “I don’t believe we have met. I’m Sarah Westland, and you are…”
“Very happy to meet you,” Gabe answered in a sultry voice as he took her hand and bowed.
Mrs. Westland giggled. “You’re such a charmer.”
Gabe grinned wide. “I’m Lord Lockwood’s valet, Mrs. Westland.”
“Not only is he my valet,” Marcus added, “but I’m training him to run the books for the shipping company.”
She widened her eyes. “Oh, how lovely.”
Marcus clapped his hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “He’s certainly a man of many talents.”
He studied the woman, remembering who she was now. Although he’d never met her, Mrs. Westland had visited Isabelle right before the wedding. No wonder his wife was jealous. Mrs. Westland was a very comely lady. Unfortunately, she didn’t hold a candle against his wife’s captivating beauty.
The woman stepped closer to Gabe and gave him a pout. “Would you mind if I had a word in private with Lord Lockwood?”
His friend glanced at Marcus who then nodded. Gabe bowed again to Mrs. Westland before leaving the building. Once the door closed behind him, the lady sashayed his way and leaned up against him.
“I’ve missed you, Matthew.”
Marcus had to give his brother credit for picking such a high-class strumpet. Marcus wondered why his brother would acquaint himself with someone who might charge more than the others.
Although he wanted to push her away, he must act his part—or the part she expected him to be. He forced a smile. “Forgive me for being side-tracked in my duties. Much has happened of late.”
“I know.” She frowned and drew her finger over his lips. “You’re married.” She released a dramatic sigh. “I must say I didn’t expect that. You once told me you would never marry.”
“Didn’t I tell you I’ve been betrothed for over a year?”
“No.” She slid her hands over his chest, and up to link around his neck as she pressed herself against him. “I’m quite put out with you. It will take a lot of begging for me to forgive you.”
Chuckling, he pulled away and moved to his desk. “I’m quite certain you’ll eventually forget about me.” He picked up his wig and placed it on his head, then reached for his coat.
She sidled up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, making it harder to pull on his garment.
“Never, Matthew. How could you believe that? I don’t ever want to forget you. We have been through too much already, and our future looks very promising.”
He rolled his eyes and shrugged out of her embrace as he walked toward the door. “Mrs. Westland, I’m sorry to bring a stop to our relationship, but I must.” He opened the door and stepped outside. The sun glared in his eyes and he squinted, raising his hand to block the rays.
“You cannot be serious.” She huffed and stepped beside him, letting the door close behind her. “We have been through too much. You cannot let it end like this. There’s more for us to accomplish together.” She slid her hand up his arm and leaned into him, batting her eyes as she met his gaze. “You once said we work well together. I know you weren’t lying, Matthew.”
Sighing, he tilted his head and gave her a pitiful smile. “But that was in the past. I’m a different person now. I’m married and I’m very happy with my wife.”
A low growl rumbled from her throat. “She cannot please you. She’s not as experienced as I.”
He shrugged. “Perhaps that’s what I enjoy about her.”
Her expression hardened, but she didn’t pull away. “I cannot believe you desire her over me. Impossible, Matthew. Besides, she’s from England. They’re not going to trust her like they trust me.”
He’d grabbed her shoulders to push her away, but her last comment made him pause. What was she talking about now? And why didn’t he think this conversation was about their so-called liaison anymore?
He dug his fingers into her shoulders. “And why not? Why won’t they trust her?”
She let out a loud, sultry laugh. “My dear, Matthew. You know me. I can charm anyone. Your wife may be sweet, but I highly doubt she knows how to seduce a man and make him talk as I do. Your friends won’t want your wife as they want me.”
He wanted to shove her away, to tell her to never to see him again. But he must get some answers.
* * * *
Isabelle stood still. Numbness spread through her body as her heart slowly crumbled.
Marcus didn’t see her standing across the road. She didn’t expect to see him, either. Not here. And certainly not with her.
Mrs. Westland had hinted of her affair with Lord Lockwood, but after what Isabelle and Marcus had shared last night, she thought he’d end his relationship with his mistress.
Isabelle supposed wrong.
Tears gathered in her eyes and she didn’t have the strength to wipe them away. How could she let her heart get involved again? Hadn’t her experience with Hawk taught her anything? Even as much as she didn’t want to be in love with Marcus, she found herself slowly falling anyway. How could she not? He was very generous, but more than that, he was kind, gentle, and patient.
Finally, the woman standing scandalously close to Marcus moved from his side and to the open carriage where Isabelle’s husband helped her inside. As soon as the vehicle drove away, Marcus hurried to his carriage. His valet was with him and climbed inside after her husband.
Confusion filled her as she kept her attention on the vehicle until it drove away. Why would her husband take his valet? Come to think of it, the valet went a lot of places with Marcus. She glanced at the building they had both came from. Thorne Shipping. She scrunched her forehead. What kind of business would her husband have there?
Curiosity made her take quick steps toward the building. She glanced at the deserted office next door where she’d met Hawk for the last time. Strange how Hawk would pick a place like this, unless…
She stopped in fro
nt of Thorne Shipping as her mind raced. Hawk once mentioned he had a life in New York as did all of his crew members. Suddenly, her husband’s valet image flashed through her mind. She never talked to him personally, but gathered from how the other servants acted, as if he was new to the Lockwood household. Yet she knew him from somewhere. Not very many men were tall and lanky with wavy auburn hair like Hawk’s friend, Gabe.
A breath caught in her throat. Could he be that same man? She glanced back at the sign in bold black letters—Thorne Shipping. Could Gabe work here? What were the odds Hawk did, too? In fact, could Hawk be Mr. Thorne himself?
She grasped the doorknob and turned, but found it locked. Scowling, she realized her questions wouldn’t be answered today. Too bad, since she needed something to take her mind off the pain of betrayal slicing through her heart from her husband’s continued affair with Mrs. Westland.
“Excuse me, Miss? May I be of assistance?”
She turned to find a short, portly man standing beside her. He doffed his hat and bowed. She smiled and curtsied.
“Actually, you may help me. I’m looking for the owner of Thorne Shipping.”
“Oh, he isn’t here.”
“I see.” Her hopes dropped. “But can you answer a few questions for me?”
His face brightened. “I’ll certainly do my best.”
“I have never met the owner before, and I wondered if he was a tall, lanky man with deep auburn hair.”
The man’s lips thinned as he scratched his head. His gaze narrowed in on her. “Oh, no, Miss. That would be Mr. Lawrence you’re thinking about.”
Her heartbeat picked up rhythm. Gabe. “I see. What exactly does the owner look like?”
The other man chuckled. “He’s a handsome, strapping lad, to be sure. Not as tall as Mr. Lawrence, but tall, nonetheless.”
“Muscular?”
“Aye, exceedingly well formed, I might say.”
“By chance, does he have dark brown hair, almost black, and long to his shoulders?”
“Aye, he does… or he did, but—”
“And does Mr. Thorne like to travel occasionally?”
The man smiled wide. “He certainly is a man who loves to travel. I take care of the office while he’s gone.”
“May I ask how long he’s usually gone?”
“Oh, usually at least a fortnight, Miss.”
A smile stretched across her mouth, even though she shouldn’t be excited about the news. But to think she’d just discovered Hawk’s true identity. And she couldn’t wait to discover more.
“Thank you, sir. You have been most helpful.”
“You are welcome, Miss.”
She turned and walked away, her mind spinning in turmoil. Her husband’s affair weighed heavy on her chest, but memories of Hawk resurfaced. She wished they hadn’t, but now she was very close to discovering his secret identity.
But first she must find out how her husband was involved with the highwayman.
Chapter Twenty
Marcus paced his study, raking his fingers through his hair. Sinister thoughts raced in his mind, and he couldn’t straighten them out. Plans were in place, and soon he’d discover what his brother had kept secretive all this time. With any luck, the Royal Navy would be involved, too. He’d kill two birds with one stone. Literally.
Mrs. Westland was part of the plan. He just didn’t know how. Yet, he did know Matthew used her to seduce other men for information.
That woman made Marcus nervous. From what he gathered, she knew his twin well. They’d been in some kind of scheme together, which Marcus would eventually disclose. He especially worried she’d discover he wasn’t Matthew. That would ruin his plans, to be sure. He needed her to think he was his brother no matter what.
Mrs. Westland had told him an earful earlier today without really giving away anything important, which was what he wanted. Of course, he played Matthew’s part and he was supposed to know the plans.
A knock came upon the door, and Marcus grumbled, “Enter.”
Gabe walked in, bringing in a full bottle of rum. Marcus grinned. His friend had read his mind.
“I thought you might be thirsting for this.” Gabe held up the bottle. “It always helps you think clearly before.”
“Indeed it has.” Marcus walked to the liquor tray and snatched two glasses. “I hope the spirits will work their magic once again.”
Gabe poured them equal amounts then set the bottle on the table. He lifted his glass. “To the good days, which hopefully we’ll return to soon.”
“Here, here.” Marcus lifted his glass then took a long gulp. The liquor burned down his throat, warming him. He hadn’t tasted his favorite drink since stepping foot in New York.
He moved to his chair and plopped down, lifting his feet to rest them on the corner of the desk. “I need to find out what Mrs. Westland knows. She’s a curious woman, and that worries me.”
“Does she suspect you’re not Matthew?”
“No, not that I could gather, but if I don’t play her games, she will question why.”
Gabe sipped his drink, then chuckled. “She’s a lovely creature, and I’m quite certain she has had her share of men.”
“Ah, you’re correct there. She knows how to get what she wants.”
“Although, it seems she only wants you.”
Marcus shrugged. “That is a rotten shame. I’m certain you wouldn’t mind the task of getting to know her, if she’d allow it.”
Gabe winked. “You know me well. She dismissed me easily enough as soon as she learned I was you valet. I don’t think she is going to want another man in her life, especially a servant.”
“How unfortunate because I cannot have two women in my life, which means someone has to keep Mrs. Westland entertained until we discover what she and my brother have planned.” Marcus couldn’t have his wife finding out about the other woman, either. Not that he would do anything to jeopardize his marriage, but the young widow couldn’t be swept under the floorboard yet.
“Although Mrs. Westland wouldn’t find me good company in comparison to you, I’m certain I could entertain her the best way I know how.”
Marcus arched an eyebrow. “And how would you accomplish that?”
“Leave it to me. I’ll formulate a plan.”
Marcus chuckled. “But I fear we will have to do it tonight. She mentioned a meeting.” He tapped his chin. “Come to think about it, so did another man I met in town. Mr. Tubble.”
“Tonight? Do you know where?”
“Yes, the friendly man gave me instructions.”
“Is it for the Sons Of Liberty?”
“I believe so.”
“What does Mrs. Westland have to do with that organization? I thought the group was only for men.”
“As did I, which is why this whole thing confuses me.” Marcus pushed away from his desk and stood. As he pieced the information he’d collected since taking over as Lord Lockwood, something niggled on the edge of his mind.
Then it hit him, and he groaned, rubbing his forehead. “Mrs. Westland is the woman the drunks at the tavern talked about.” He looked over his shoulder at Gabe. “She has sandy hair, just like Isabelle. However,” he scratched his head, “I don’t know why she has been seen around town with Mrs. Winters.”
Gabe nodded. “That makes sense. That’s why she knows so much, and why your brother was eager to get to know her. She must know secrets about the Sons Of Liberty that your brother could use.”
“I agree. Now—” Marcus walked toward the window, “—how do we proceed from this point?”
“I wish I knew. If only I could take her off your hands for a spell.” A wide grin pulled at Gabe’s mouth.
Marcus gulped down the remainder of his drink. Outside on the busy street people rushed by, as did many carriages and horses. He missed the quiet life he lived before becoming Lord Lockwood.
He searched the faces of every woman, hoping to see his lovely Isabelle. When he arrived home, Gentry in
formed him of Lady Lockwood’s errands in town. Marcus missed her already and wanted her back in his arms.
Something needed to be done about Mrs. Westland and soon. He didn’t want anything to disrupt the time he spent with Isabelle. Suddenly, an idea took root in his mind, and he spun to face Gabe. “Tonight you shall get your wish, my good man.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes. I’ll seek Mrs. Westland out and arrange to meet her secretly. You will fill in for me after that, but you must discover how she’s involved with the Sons Of Liberty.”
Gabe wagged his eyebrows. “Indeed, it sounds like a very good plan.” He raised the glass and placed it to his mouth, tossing the remaining liquid down his throat.
Marcus chuckled. “I’m pleased to see you agreeing so quickly since this is such a torturous task I ask of you.”
Gabe shrugged. “Aye. It’ll make the conquest more exciting.”
“Exactly. Let’s plan on it tonight. Early. Before the meeting.”
“You can count on me.”
Marcus nodded. “Excellent. But what I need you to do before then is find out where the Donnelley’s old estate is located. Apparently, it’s just down the street from Meadowbrook Lane.”
“You’ll know before the meeting, I assure you.”
* * * *
Isabelle finished her errands in town, her lips aching from the forced smile she displayed. Too many people had stopped on the street to visit and wish her well in her marriage. She needed to act like a happy woman, even though her heart lie in mangled pieces.
Packages filled her arms as she reached her carriage. The driver jumped down and helped her, placing the boxes inside. Just as she moved to climb in, her name was called from down the street. She stopped and turned.
A young boy with bushy brown hair ran her way. Her heart jumped. Monkey. Behind him, a man took wide strides to keep up. She didn’t recognize him, yet there was something familiar about the way he moved. Was it possible he was one of Hawk’s crew members? Monkey once told her the highwaymen were his family.
Falling In Love Again (Heroic Rogues Series) Page 22