by Laura Landon
Radburn answered Lady Carlisle’s smile with one of his own, but neither of their smiles erased the sadness Millicent saw in their eyes.
Lady Carlisle finished her tea, then one of the maids showed her to a guest room.
Millicent found that she liked Lady Carlisle. She had an exotic look that Millicent found quite attractive. She was elegant and graceful, and everything a lady was supposed to be.
Still, Millicent couldn’t help but feel extremely sorry for her. She’d already been forced to give up the love of her life to save her family from ruin.
Now she would have to give up the man she loved a second time when she watched him take another woman as his wife.
. . .
Barnaby was forced to wait until dark before making his way to the base of the cliffs near Cliffside Manor. Radburn had men positioned the entire span of the cliffs, and Barnaby only moved when the moon slid behind clouds to give him cover. Even then, he kept his back to the stone wall of the cliffs and stepped into any recess he found.
Judging from the view around the point, there weren’t as many cave openings here as there were on Radburn’s own property, but the caves here seemed larger. Barnaby had a lantern with him, but he didn’t light it until he was far enough into the cave that the light wouldn’t be seen beyond the cave opening.
Each time he stepped out of one cave he turned back the lantern’s wick to a small red flicker until he entered the next. One opening led to another and another as he crept along the base of the cliff wall. He gave a cursory investigation of each before passing to the next, and realized the moment he stepped inside the furthest opening that this was one of the largest caves he’d discovered so far. If any of the caverns were likely to be the hidden storehouse for the explosives, this one had excellent access from the beach and held the most potential.
He’d been nagged by several questions that refused to go away. First, why did Radburn kill Millicent’s parents? Just to get them out of the way? Or was it because Lord Renfrew discovered that Radburn was using one of the caves on his estate to store explosives he intended to sell to foreign radicals? Perhaps Millicent’s father threatened to go to the authorities, and Radburn had to eliminate him before that could happen.
Was that why Millicent’s father had written her such a stern warning to stay away from Radburn? Did he know what Radburn was involved in and wanted to protect his daughter?
Barnaby had so many unanswered questions. He stopped and adjusted his lamp when it was safe to do so, then continued deeper.
The cave split, and Barnaby followed the tunnel on the north. After what seemed a long distance, the tunnel came to an end, and he was forced to turn around.
He’d wasted valuable time. It had to be nearing dawn, so he hurried his pace and retraced his steps. When he reached the fork again, he took the tunnel on the south.
He held his lantern high and walked on. He was about to turn around when the tunnel opened wider. He took several steps until suddenly the cave walls opened up, and he found himself standing at the entrance of a great room. Beyond it was a large opening to the sea.
He lifted his lantern to illuminate a stockpile of explosives as large as any he’d seen in wartime. There were more than two score kegs of powder and case after case of rifles. Alongside the rifles were boxes and boxes of bullets and ammunition for a variety of pistols and rifles.
Barnaby’s heart pounded in his chest. The munitions did indeed exist. The Earl of Renfrew’s innocent discovery of it had assaulted his honor and his love of England.
And Radburn had killed him to keep him from going to the authorities.
Chapter 13
After two days at Cliffside, Barnaby returned to the Radburn estate well after dark. Thankfully, everyone had gone to bed. The only person stirring was Radburn’s butler, Childers, who met him at the door.
“Good evening, Mr. Compton.”
“Good evening, Childers. Has everyone retired?”
Barnaby could not be certain, but he thought Childers might have smiled. Then doubted it. The butler seemed too somber and staid to exhibit any show of humor.
“Yes, Mr. Compton. The hour is quite late.”
Barnaby glanced at the clock on the mantel of the foyer fireplace. “Ah, so it is.”
“Have you eaten, sir? Would you like me to have a tray prepared for you?”
“No, no. I doubt I’ll expire before breakfast tomorrow. I would, however like something to wash the dust of the road from my mouth. Do you think Lord Radburn would mind if I found a drink in one of the salons before I retire?”
“Of course not, Mr. Compton. Lord Radburn would encourage you to make yourself welcome as long as you are in his home.”
“Thank you, Childers.” Barnaby handed the butler his hat and coat, then walked across the foyer. “There’s no need for you to attend me, Childers. I won’t need anything else. Your day has been long enough.”
“If you’re sure, sir.”
“Yes, quite sure. I shall be ready to retire the moment I finish my drink.”
“Very well, sir,” Childers said, then turned away.
Barnaby walked toward the salons used for entertaining guests and chose the room shaped in an octagon. Now that he knew the way to where Millicent’s brother and sister were, he wanted to visit again. He especially wanted to speak with Millicent’s brother, Lord Renfrew, and discover what he remembered about the night of the fire.
Before Barnaby went to the secret door, he poured himself a small glass of brandy and took it to one of the large cushioned chairs in the room. He waited, knowing it was possible that Childers would check on him before he retired for the night. When the door opened, he was glad he hadn’t exited the room right away.
“Will you need anything else before I retire, sir?”
“No, Childers. My eyes want to close already. I won’t be long.”
“Very good, sir.”
Barnaby waited until the door closed behind the butler.
He finished his brandy, then walked to the secret door. He followed the same path he’d taken the night before and pressed on the round, metal knob high on the wall. The door opened and he entered the room.
“You came back,” Millicent’s sister said, bolting to her feet. “I hoped you would, so I stayed up to wait for you.”
Barnaby couldn’t stop the smile from forming. “I’m glad you did.”
“Did you tell Millie we’re here?”
Barnaby walked across the room and sat on the sofa when Polly sat back on her chair. “No, I didn’t tell her. I thought it would be more of a surprise if she didn’t know before she saw you.”
“Oh yes! That sounds perfect. She’ll be surprised, won’t she?”
“Oh yes. You have no idea how elated she’ll be.” Barnaby turned more serious. “Did you tell your brother about me?”
Polly released a sigh of frustration. “Yes, I told him, but he didn’t believe me. He never believes anything I tell him. He always thinks I imagine everything.”
“Big brothers often don’t believe their younger siblings.”
“Do you have a big brother, Barnaby?”
“Yes, and when we were young, he didn’t believe me much of the time, either.”
“How did you get him to believe you?”
Barnaby chuckled. “I grew up. Once he realized I wasn’t a child any longer, he was forced to believe me.”
Polly’s shoulders sagged. “Oh,” she said. “That means I’ll have to wait a very long time. I’m only twelve and a half.”
“It won’t be so very long, Polly. You already look like a very grown-up young la—”
Barnaby stopped when the door opened and a tall, broad-shouldered man entered the room. He looked as if he’d dressed in a hurry.
His shirt wasn’t tucked into his trousers and was open at the neck. He wore no shoes, nor had he combed his hair. But Barnaby hardly noticed his lack of attire, or the fact that the man’s hair was dark instead of golden blond like
Millicent’s and Polly’s. Instead, his gaze locked on the gnarled scars that pulled the skin on the right side of Lord Renfrew’s face.
“Come here, Polly,” he ordered. His voice was low and stern. “Now.”
“It’s all right, Thomas. This is—”
“I don’t care who he says he is. Step away right now.”
Polly gave Barnaby an apologetic look, then walked to stand by her brother.
“Your name, sir,” Renfrew demanded.
“Barnaby Linscott, Lord Renfrew. I am a friend of your sister, Lady Millicent.”
“How do you know my sister?”
“That is a long story, my lord. One that I would like you to hear from your sister herself.”
Renfrew hesitated as if he wasn’t sure if what Barnaby said was a trick. “Millicent is here?” he asked.
There was a hopeful tinge to Renfrew’s question, but his narrowed eyes exhibited a wariness.
“Yes, she’s here. Would you like to see her?”
“Now?” Polly asked with heartwarming exuberance.
“Yes,” Barnaby answered. “I think it’s time she discovers that not all of her family is lost to her.”
“Yes,” Polly cried out. “Oh yes! Please go for her.”
Barnaby shifted his gaze to Millicent’s brother and when he gave a sharp nod, Barnaby left the room to get Millicent.
He wasn’t sure if he was making the right decision. How could he expect Millicent to continue with their mission once she knew her brother and sister were alive? If it were him, he would want to get them as far away as possible from Radburn and the danger he threatened.
He made his way up the stairs, then down the hall until he reached her room. He opened the door and found her waiting for him, like he knew she would be.
. . .
Millicent had listened for his footsteps for what seemed an eternity. It was a quarter past midnight according to the last chime of the mantel clock. She thought he’d be back long before now. What if something had happened to him?
She bolted to her feet when the door opened and he stepped into the room. “Are you—?”
Barnaby lifted his finger, and Millicent halted her words.
“Put on your slippers and robe and come with me.”
She didn’t ask where they were going or why but slipped on her robe and slippers and followed him as he walked to the door. After he checked the hall to make sure no one was there, he took her hand and led her down the stairs, across the foyer, then into the octagonal room where they’d been before.
Millicent went willingly. It was impossible not to. The emotions that surged through her body when she placed her hand in his erased any doubt she might have had. He exhibited such indomitable strength, she knew she was safe with him.
They walked to the place where the secret door had opened to allow Silas Armor to enter the room the first day they’d arrived. Barnaby pressed on the damask panel, and the door sprang quietly open. He didn’t speak until they were in the secret passageway and the door had closed behind him.
“Are you all right?” he whispered.
Millicent smiled in the shadowy candlelight. “Yes, I’m fine.”
He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze, then continued forward.
Her heart raced in her breast. She knew he’d discovered something important. Her mind swirled with the possibility that he’d discovered the ammunition stockpile, which meant their mission was nearly at an end.
They walked in the shadowy darkness until they reached the last door along the secret passageway. Barnaby stopped and turned to her.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
“Then I want you to close your eyes and not open them until I tell you to.”
“Why?”
“Don’t ask. Just close your eyes. You’ll find out in a moment.”
Millicent’s heart danced in her breast. He had. He’d found the ammunition stockpile. But surely Radburn wasn’t fool enough to keep it within the house.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
He placed his fingers over her eyes, and she closed them. Then she heard the shifting of a door opening, and he led her forward. The door closed, and when she opened her eyes, she found him standing before her.
“I have a surprise for you.”
She looked straight ahead but saw nothing except the center of his chest. She lifted her gaze to the unreadable expression on his face.
He stepped to the side.
Millicent got her first unobstructed look at the two people standing before her.
Her breath caught in her throat, and her legs shifted beneath her. Barnaby wrapped his arm around her waist to support her, but even his strength wasn’t enough to hold her upright. She released a muffled cry and staggered.
She shrugged off Barnaby’s support as she held out her arms and wrapped them around a sobbing Polly.
Before she could catch her breath, her brother Thomas was with them, wrapping them both in his familiar, loving arms.
. . .
Barnaby watched brother and sisters reunite. Tears flowed freely, and when Polly hiccupped for the third time, Barnaby poured glasses of water for each of them.
They all huddled together on the sofa, with Polly on one side of Millicent and Thomas on the other.
It wasn’t until they were settled that Millicent noticed the scars on her brother’s face. She lifted her hand and cradled his cheek in her palm. Thomas turned his face.
“Don’t turn from me, Thomas.”
“I know what I look like, Millie. I know how difficult it is for anyone to look at me. Even the staff who bring our meals avoid looking me in the eyes.”
“Well, I don’t have trouble looking you in the eyes. You’ve always had the most beautiful blue eyes. They’re just like Papa’s.”
Tears streamed down Millicent’s face at the mention of their father. She reached out and clasped Polly’s hand in her right hand and Thomas’s hand in her left. “How did you escape the fire?”
Barnaby slid a chair close to the sofa. “Does it bother you to talk about that night?” he asked.
Millicent’s brother was the first to respond. “It’s not a pleasant memory, but Millie needs to know what happened.” He turned his head and looked at Millicent.
“Yes, I do. How did you escape the fire?” she repeated.
“Lord Radburn saved us.”
“Lord Radburn?”
Millie’s brother answered with a nod of his head. “The house was in flames when his voice woke me. I jumped from the bed and crawled to the door, but the smoke was so thick it took what seemed forever to make my way across the room.”
Millicent lifted her gaze and met Barnaby’s. A frown furrowed her forehead. “Are you sure Lord Radburn was the one who came after you?” Millicent asked.
“Yes, Millie,” Polly answered. “It was him. He ran into my room and carried me down the stairs. When we reached the bottom, he handed me to one of the footmen, then raced back up the stairs to get Thomas.”
Thomas continued the story. “I made it across the room, but when I reached the door, part of the ceiling fell. I would have died if Radburn hadn’t pulled me to safety. He carried me down the stairs and out the door.”
Barnaby focused on Millicent’s face. He wanted to go to her, but that wasn’t possible.
“I tried to go back for Mother and Father,” Lord Renfrew continued, “but it was too late. The house was completely engulfed in flames. And I was too badly injured to stand.”
Millicent threw herself into her brother’s arms and held him. “Thank heaven you didn’t, Thomas. You might have been lost, too.”
Barnaby gave brother and sister time to come to grips with their emotions, then asked, “Do you know who started the fire?”
Thomas shook his head. “But I believe Father thought we were in danger.”
“What makes you say that?”
“He’d called me into his study earlier in
the evening and instructed me to take Mother and Pauline to London. He said he’d sent word to open the house. He told me not to let Mother or the girls leave the house unescorted and to keep them there until he came for us.”
Millicent kept her brother’s and sister’s hands cradled in hers while they talked for another hour or more. When Pauline’s eyes closed, and her head bobbed, Millicent rose to take her back to bed.
“Did your father say anything to indicate who he thought was putting you in danger?” Barnaby asked when Millicent and Polly were gone.
“No. But I believe he knew.”
“Do you think it might have been Lord Radburn?”
Millicent walked into the room to overhear Barnaby’s question. She paid especially close attention to her brother’s answer.
“No, I don’t believe he thought we were in danger from Lord Radburn.”
Millicent’s gaze locked with Barnaby’s. Her look was filled with questions.
“You’d best get to bed, Lord Renfrew,” Barnaby said as he rose. “And please, don’t tell anyone we were here.”
Millicent’s brother stood. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
Barnaby led Millicent to the door. “That’s a topic left for another time.”
Barnaby reached for the knob that would open the door, then lowered his hand. “What do you think Lord Radburn was doing at your home on that particular night?”
There was a long pause while Millicent’s brother considered an answer. “I have no idea,” he finally said.
Chapter 14
Barnaby had his arm around Millicent’s waist as they walked down the hidden hallway, through the octagonal room, then crept across the foyer, up the stairs, and to her room. Millicent stayed as close to him as she could. The events of the evening loomed around her. Though she’d had time to adjust to the shock of finding her brother and sister alive, her body still trembled uncontrollably.
She walked through her open bedroom door. When Barnaby closed it behind her, she turned and stepped into his open embrace.
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She tried to control her emotions, but a river of tears burst over the dam and ran in torrents down her cheeks.