Deception in Emeralds (Ransomed Jewels Book 4)

by Laura Landon

  Muffled comments passed between them, and then Barnaby heard Radburn ask quite clearly, “A poacher?”

  “Hell! Double the guards . . . men to stay alert . . . can’t afford to let anything happen now . . . too close to the wedding . . . can’t let anything interfere with the deal.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Barnaby picked up a benign conversation as if he and Millicent hadn’t been eavesdropping. “Then we traveled to the Lake District to visit family we have there.”

  “A rather extended trip, I should say,” Millicent added, then looked up when Radburn returned. “Is everything all right, Marcus?”

  “Yes, yes. Just estate business. Poachers, you know, the bloody lot. Forgive me, my dear.” Radburn picked up the pot in front of him and poured hot coffee into his cup. “So, have you and Mr. Compton decided what you’re going to do today?”

  “Yes,” Millicent said brightly. She placed her napkin on the table beside her plate and sat back in her chair, indicating she’d finished. “I shall confirm the wedding menu with Cook and write a few pieces of correspondence. Then, if the weather holds, Reggie and I are going for a walk later this afternoon. You’re welcome to join us if you aren’t busy.”

  “I’d be delighted to, my love, but I have estate business to see to. I’m afraid it will occupy my entire day.”

  “Then we’ll see you tonight for dinner.”

  “Yes.”

  “Is there anything special you’d like Cook to prepare?”

  Radburn shook his head. “I’ll be happy with whatever Cook serves.”

  “Very well.” Millicent rose. “If you’ll excuse me. I’ll be in my room for a short while.” She turned to Barnaby. “Then I’ll meet you later in the library, cousin.”

  Barnaby and Radburn rose. When Millicent was gone, Radburn sat again at his place. Barnaby turned to leave, but Radburn stopped him.

  “Please stay a moment, if you will, Compton.”

  “Of course.” Barnaby sat back down.

  “Have you enjoyed your stay so far?” Radburn asked as he spread marmalade on a toasted piece of bread.

  Barnaby smiled. “How could I not, my lord? Westview Park is an engaging property, and you are a most agreeable host.” Barnaby sat back in his chair and studied Radburn. “I have a feeling, though, that the reason you asked me to remain wasn’t to inquire whether or not I’m having an enjoyable time.”

  “You’re correct,” Radburn said. “As you know, my men are aware that you often roam the estate at all hours of the night.”

  “And may I say that they are most alert, conscientious, and courteous whenever I come upon one of them. You know, for me, sleep is often an elusive pleasure. The confines of my room remind me of events of my past I’d just as soon forget. Your well-protected grounds are rather a . . . a sanctuary for me. For that I am most grateful, Lord Radburn.”

  “I’m happy to hear it, Compton,” Radburn said. “And when you find it impossible to sleep, do you ever travel far from the house?”

  Barnaby studied his adversary. “Is there any place in particular you’d like to know about?”

  “Not necessarily. Perhaps onto the land near Cliffside? Or the place where I’ve erected the monument to honor Millicent’s family?”

  “No, Lord Radburn. I have no desire to visit Millicent’s family’s estate, nor has she asked me to take her there.”

  “Do you find that odd?”

  “Not at all. Do you?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Then perhaps you don’t know Millicent as well as you think. Returning to the burned-out home where she grew up—which held such fond memories as well as such terrible tragedy—is no doubt the last thing she would do. Perhaps in time she will feel differently, but that will probably be far into the future.”

  “Ah yes. I quite understand.”

  Barnaby rose. “If you will excuse me, Lord Radburn, I promised to meet Millicent.”

  “Of course.”

  Barnaby walked to the door, but Radburn’s voice stopped him from leaving.

  “So that you know, Mr. Compton. I’ve instructed my men to watch you when you go for your nighttime forays.”

  Barnaby tried for an expression that indicated his affront as well as his confusion. He arched his eyebrows to indicate he questioned Radburn’s motives.

  “Believe me, Mr. Compton, it’s as much for your good as for mine. I would hate for anything to happen to you while you walked about the estate in the dark. Millicent would never forgive me.”

  Barnaby struggled to seem appreciative. “How thoughtful of you, my lord.”

  Searching for the munitions cache was suddenly a more difficult task. He would have to be more careful, or he might end up in Radburn’s dungeon alongside Will Griffin.

  Poachers indeed.

  Chapter 12

  Barnaby wrestled with his indecision. How should he tell Millicent that her brother and sister were alive? He knew he must. But if being reunited with her dear ones caused a change in her demeanor in any way, Radburn would surely notice.

  He’d had more than one opportunity during the afternoon they spent together to make the stunning revelation that both Polly and Thomas were alive. That they were hiding in a room behind the salon wall. But he couldn’t do it. Each time, the words tangled on the tip of his tongue.

  He knew if he told her, she’d demand to see them. Not only that, but her goal would change. Her first priority would no longer be to find the ammunition stockpile and destroy it, but to get her brother and sister and flee Radburn’s grasp. And that should be her goal. And his, too.

  Even though it burned him to say so, Barnaby couldn’t allow that. Not until they’d accomplished their mission. They were safe where they were. Thomas was of age now. He would take care of his little sister. Time was running short. They only had a handful of days until the wedding.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked as they walked down a lane that crossed Radburn’s land.

  “I’m trying to decide what steps we should take next.”

  Barnaby had Millicent’s arm tucked into the crook of his elbow and had her pressed as close to him as he could without loosening the tongues of anyone who saw them.

  He loved the feel of her next to him. He loved the warmth of her body. He knew she felt the same—he could see it in the glow in her eyes when she looked at him.

  “Why do I have the feeling that you already know what you have to do, but you aren’t sure how to tell me, because you think I’m not going to like it?”

  He lowered his gaze and smiled at her. “Because I know you’re not going to like it.”

  “There’s a lot about what we have to do that I don’t like, but there’s not much either of us can do about that.”

  Barnaby took a deep breath. “I’m going to have to leave you here for a day or more.”

  “And you think I’m unable to be alone with Radburn? I’ve been alone with him before. Several times, in fact.”

  “I know you have, but that was before I’d had an opportunity to observe him. I don’t trust him.”

  Millicent smiled, then tightened her hold on his arm. “If I didn’t know better, I might think you were concerned for me.”

  Barnaby stopped. “More than concerned, Millie. I care a great deal for you. Don’t ever doubt that I do.”

  Her breath caught. Barnaby could see by the rise in her shoulders that she’d taken a breath and hadn’t released it.

  “You know caring for me isn’t wise, Barnaby. Allowing emotions to come into play isn’t smart. What we have to do is dangerous. It’s likely that one of us won’t survive this. Possibly both of us.”

  “How very fatalistic you’ve become, cousin.”

  She uttered a small laugh. “Just realistic, cousin.”

  Barnaby led Millicent toward a grove of trees. When they were deep enough in the copse that they couldn’t be seen, he pulled her into his arms and brought her close to him.

  “I will move he
aven and earth to see that doesn’t happen.”

  His words were laced with husky emotion that wrapped his simple statement in unquestionable promise. He tightened his arms around her and lowered his head.

  Their lips touched, and he kissed her with the desperation he’d felt since they’d begun their walk.

  She matched his kisses and wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him close to her.

  Barnaby skimmed her lips with his tongue, and she opened to allow him entry. The emotions that surged through him were almost his undoing. He wanted her. Her warning not to care for her affected him like the breeze that washed over them. No words could stop the feelings that had already taken root. Her prediction might be true. It was possible that one of them wouldn’t survive this mission, but that person wouldn’t be her. He couldn’t let her leave her brother and sister. They needed her as much as she needed them.

  He deepened his kiss, and she met his entreaty without hesitation.

  He wouldn’t allow anything to happen to her. He couldn’t. He couldn’t live the remainder of his life without her. That thought was unbearable.

  He kissed her once more, then lifted his mouth from hers. But he didn’t release her. He couldn’t bring himself to be separated from her.

  “Oh, Barnaby,” she gasped. “How did this happen? Why did you allow it?”

  He smiled and ran his hands over her shoulders and her back. She pressed her cheek to his chest, and he knew she could hear his racing heart thunder in her ear.

  “You said you needed to leave. Where are you going?”

  “To your home. To Cliffside Manor.”

  She pulled away from him and lifted her gaze. The look in her eyes was filled with confusion. “Why?”

  “Since the night I was attacked, Radburn’s men have been watching me. They’re watching the area above the cliffs. I’ll never be able to enter through the door over your sister’s grave. Which means I have to find another way. From the caves at the bottom of the cliffs.”

  She thought for a moment, then nodded. “That makes sense. When are you going?”

  “Tomorrow. I can’t afford to wait. We’re running out of time.”

  “I don’t know, Barnaby. It’s dangerous. The rocks, the tide, they—”

  He pulled her to him and stopped her with a kiss.

  When at last he could force himself to let her go, he smiled.

  “I know, love, I’ll be careful.”

  She turned and looped her arm through his. He knew she wasn’t satisfied with his answer. But her trust meant the world to him.

  They exited the grove of trees and continued their walk.

  The time was perfect to tell her about her brother and sister, but he didn’t. The words got as far as his tongue several times and died in his mouth. Even though he knew the secret could cause a rift between them that would be impossible to heal.

  . . .

  True to his word, Barnaby was gone, and she was alone with Radburn. He’d spent the morning locked in his study with Silas Armor, a man who never seemed far from his side. After lunch, she and Radburn walked through the garden, and he explained some of his plans for the improvement of the gardens at Westview.

  Millicent didn’t know what to make of him. He confused her at every turn. Her dislike of him was never far from the surface, and she hated the thought that he might kiss her again. Hated that he thought he had the right to kiss her.

  And yet . . .

  There were times, like today, when she almost enjoyed being with him. Times when he was pleasant to be with, when he was cordial and polite. When he clearly seemed concerned for her happiness.

  It was times like now that she had to remind herself that he was a cold-blooded killer.

  Her father had spelled it out in no uncertain terms in the letter he’d sent her. He’d warned her about Radburn and ordered her to stay as far away from him as possible.

  A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. How could she allow one pleasant afternoon to weaken her resolve?

  “Is something wrong, my dear?” he asked.

  Millicent realized she’d been quiet for a long time. Too long. “No, I was just picturing the changes you intend to make to the gardens. I think they will be lovely.”

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  She looked at him. “I thought you said you knew nothing about farming?”

  He smiled. “I don’t. But I do have a certain appreciation for flowers and the beauty they provide. And, of course, the best gardener in four boroughs.”

  She laughed, surprised at the ease of it as he led her to the terrace. They crossed to the French doors that led back to the study, then he escorted her to the sofa in the center of the room. A tray with tea and pastries awaited them on the low oval table that separated the sofa from a pair of matching cushioned chairs. Radburn sat next to her on the sofa.

  “Would you pour?”

  “Of course.”

  Millicent poured the tea and handed him a cup, then placed two of the pastries on a plate and handed that to him. When she finished, she served herself.

  Radburn took a sip of his tea and set the saucer on the table. “Mr. Compton said that he was making a trip to Cliffside Manor. When I asked him why, he said you’d requested that he go. Was there something you needed him to try to recover for you?”

  “Actually, yes, there was. I asked Reggie to try to locate any of my mother’s jewels. I know they were most likely destroyed in the fire, but I thought perhaps if something was salvageable, I might be able to wear it when we married.”

  “Of course. I apologize. I should have thought of that and sent someone to look for your mother’s jewels.”

  “I hardly expect you to think of everything, Marcus.”

  “But I want to where you are concerned. I want you to be happy.”

  Millicent was taken aback. This couldn’t be happening. He couldn’t mean that he wanted her to be happy. If he did, he wouldn’t have started the fire that killed her parents. If he did, he wouldn’t have destroyed everyone who was important to her.

  Her anger threatened to break through her carefully managed calm, but she was saved from saying something she would regret when Radburn’s butler rapped on the door.

  “Yes, Childers?”

  “You have a guest, my lord. The Countess of Carlisle.”

  The expression on Radburn’s face changed noticeably, pleasure erasing the tension she’d seen earlier.

  “Show her in, Childers.” He rose to his feet.

  “Lady Carlisle,” Radburn greeted as he stepped forward. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  Millicent took a moment to study the stranger. She was as dark as Millicent was fair. She was the picture of loveliness, with large, ebony eyes, and a complexion that was creamy smooth and porcelain clear. Her lips were full and tilted upward as if she couldn’t stop the smile that brightened her face. Her elation was obvious, and when Millicent shifted her gaze to Radburn’s face, she saw the same open adoration.

  “Radburn,” the lady said, extending her gloved hands. Her voice was musical, her eyes sparkling, yet somehow guarded.

  Radburn took her hands in his and brought them to his lips. It was obvious that he and the lady were not simply acquaintances, but close friends.

  “I hope it’s not inconvenient that I arrived early, but my brother- and sister-in-law were traveling to Beatrice’s family near here, and offered to escort me. I couldn’t forgo the opportunity for company, so I rode with them even though I knew I would be the first of your wedding guests to arrive. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course I don’t mind. I’m delighted you’re here.” He placed his hand beneath Lady Carlisle’s elbow and led her to where Millicent sat. “Millicent, allow me to introduce Lady Elizabeth, Countess of Carlisle. Elizabeth, Lady Millicent, daughter of the late Earl of Renfrew, and my betrothed.”

  “Lady Millicent. Such a pleasure to meet you.”

  Millicent rose. “The pleasure is mine, my lad
y.”

  “Please, call me Elizabeth.”

  “And you must call me Millicent.” Millicent pointed to the chair opposite her. “Please, join us. I’ll ring for fresh tea.”

  “Oh, don’t bother on my account.”

  “It’s no bother at all.” Millicent gave the bell pull a gentle tug and indicated where Lady Carlisle should sit. As if by magic, a maid appeared with a tray of fresh tea.

  “Have we met?” Millicent asked, after she handed Elizabeth a cup of tea.

  “It’s unlikely we have,” Elizabeth said. “My husband died two years ago, and I have just come out of mourning. In fact, I have yet to return to Society.”

  “Oh, I’m terribly sorry.”

  “Elizabeth’s husband and I were business associates,” Radburn said. “Lord Carlisle was a brilliant businessman. He will be missed by a great many people.”

  Millicent looked at the young widow and considered what it must be like to lose someone you loved at such an early age. She doubted she was any older than Radburn. “Was his death sudden?”

  Lady Carlisle and Radburn exchanged a glance Millicent couldn’t read.

  “No, not sudden. His health had been in decline for some time. Which was to be expected at his age. He’d just reached his eightieth year.”

  Lady Carlisle smiled. “I can see that you are surprised. You no doubt have questions but are too polite to ask. Let me answer the most obvious one. No, our marriage was not a love match, although I came to care for Charles more than I thought possible. He was kind and considerate, and had an intelligent mind that was sharp to the end.

  “Our marriage was arranged. It was a union that benefited my father. My family’s lack of financial stability left me little choice but to accept Charles’s offer. But I wasn’t unhappy, except for the love I had to give up when I married Charles.” Her last words were spoken with an almost imperceptible quiver.

  “I’m pleased, then, that you chose to come out of mourning to join us. And especially pleased that you arrived early. It will allow us to become friends, as I’m sure we will.”

  Lady Carlisle turned her gaze to Radburn. “You are a lucky man, Marcus. You have chosen the perfect bride.”