by Anne Herries
‘He should have come straight to us,’ Andrew said and looked grim. ‘All this time has been wasted—and you should have had more sense than to allow him to blind you to the truth.’
‘He has not harmed me, Andrew.’ Jane looked at her brother reproachfully. ‘I know you are angry, but you might be a little pleased to see me.’
‘Of course I am pleased to see you.’ Andrew swore under his breath. In his fear for Mariah, he was forgetting Jane’s ordeal and blaming her for something that was not her fault. What kind of a brother was he? Mariah Fanshawe was hardly his concern, yet the thought of her in danger made his stomach clench with fear. ‘I’m sorry. I do understand that you were trying to protect your friend—and I accept this George fellow helped you, but he is still guilty of abduction and that is a hanging matter. Unless he comes clean and helps us to find Mariah alive and unharmed…he may well hang with the others when we catch them.’
‘Supposing you don’t find them?’
‘We have to find her. Avonlea has no power to release her fortune, only her trustees can do that. Besides, I doubt he would give way to blackmail. Avonlea is very angry, and I cannot blame him.’
‘Mariah is more important than the money, isn’t she?’
‘Of course she is,’ Andrew said, ‘but if what you say is right, I fear for her life.’
Jane closed her eyes. ‘I feel myself so much luckier than Mariah. No matter what you say, Andrew, George saved my life. I shall always be grateful to him.’
‘Well, for that matter, I suppose I am grateful for what he did,’ Andrew said. ‘I’ve been out of my mind with worry. As for Justin Avonlea—I think he is at the end of his patience.’
Jane looked at her brother anxiously. It was unlike him to be so short with her.
‘Are you in some trouble, Andrew? Something that has nothing to do with this business of the abduction?’
His gaze narrowed. ‘Why do you ask?’
‘You’ve been to Paris on some business for the regiment and you spoke of needing money. Was it only for my ransom if one were demanded? Surely we could have raised a loan?’
‘How well you know me.’ Andrew looked rueful. ‘Yes, I may need money for something else. I am not in trouble, but a friend of mine may well be. Do not ask for more details, Jane. I am not at liberty to give them.’
‘Then I shall not ask,’ she said and rose to kiss his cheek. ‘Think carefully whether you truly wish to sell, dearest. I shall see you in the morning.’
* * *
‘You can tell me nothing more?’ Justin Avonlea sighed and looked at Jane wearily. ‘If I am being obtuse, you must forgive me. I feel responsible for Mariah’s safety even though I am no longer her guardian. Lucinda is fond of her and believes that Mariah wished to tell me something concerning a fortune hunter. Had I listened to her, this might have been avoided. I find no fault in your actions, Miss Lanchester. You acted bravely, if rashly, and if we could find the man who helped you, we might have a chance of discovering Mariah’s whereabouts.’
‘Forgive me. I know nothing about him, other than what he told me,’ Jane said and gave him an apologetic look. ‘I am so very sorry for what happened to Mariah, sir. You have my word that if I remember anything more I shall inform you immediately.’
Justin paced the small parlour, then turned to look at her and Andrew.
‘I may have to give into the rogue’s blackmail and ask her trustees to release Mariah’s fortune, which I imagine they must do if her life is in danger—but I shall need proof that she is still alive and unharmed.’
‘George felt that Blake would most certainly wish to keep Mariah alive. He may have used persuasion to force her to marry him.’
‘Mariah is stubborn. She would not easily give in to persuasion or blackmail. I fear he may have grown tired of waiting and…’ Justin shook his head as if the pictures his words conjured up were intolerable. ‘I should have insisted that Mariah told me why she came to us. I should have known that she was in trouble.’
‘No, you must not blame yourself,’ Jane told him. ‘Captain Blake—whoever he may be— was determined on abduction. He is the one you should be searching for.’ Her eyes went to her brother. ‘I think he must be a military man. You have not heard of him?’
‘No, not that I can recall. However, I shall visit headquarters and make enquiries when we go to London, Jane.’
‘You are thinking of going to London?’ Justin asked.
‘Jane’s godmother sent her a standing invitation some time back,’ Andrew replied. ‘I intend to help in the search for Mariah. I have to visit headquarters and ask for extended leave—and I think Jane might be safer with Lady Mary.’
‘I should prefer to remain here and help in the search for Mariah,’ Jane said. ‘There must be some way I can help. If I returned the pony and bought a cow for Martha, she might be persuaded to tell me where I could contact George.’
‘Yes, that might be a good idea,’ Andrew said. ‘However, I shall do that myself. You will stay here and rest until I return, Jane.’
‘You must promise me not to bully her. She helped me and those awful men treated her dreadfully.’
Andrew gave his sister a reproachful look. ‘Do you imagine I would inflict pain on an old woman? I shall merely ask if she has heard from him or been troubled again. It is possible that one of those men let something slip—and if she understands that I mean George no harm, perhaps she will allow me to speak with him.’
‘Perhaps,’ Jane said doubtfully. Martha would never betray the man she had nursed as a child to a stranger. She might have given Jane a clue as to where she could contact him, but Andrew seemed determined that her part in the adventure was over. ‘I doubt she will tell you anything, but there is no harm in trying. I still think you should be looking for Blake.’
‘I shall do that, Miss Lanchester,’ Justin said. ‘I will post up to London to enquire. May I ask you to visit Lucinda before you leave? I must speak to my lawyers, for if I am to release even a part of Mariah’s fortune there will be many papers to sign, but I hate to leave my wife alone. However, it is not something that can be done instantly. I may have to pay the ransom myself.’
‘Of course I shall visit Lucinda. I dare say you have both been anxious.’ Jane saw his agitation and moved forwards to touch his arm in sympathy. ‘My instincts tell me that Mariah is safe, though in uncomfortable circumstances. You must not give up hope of her recovery, sir.’
‘You are very kind,’ Justin said. ‘I thank you for your concern, but I shall not rest until she is found.’
With that he took his leave of them. Andrew looked at Jane after he had gone, his eyes narrowed.
‘I know you dislike being left out of this business, but it is for your own safety. Those men may still be watching for you. It is best for Martha’s sake and yours that I go alone to visit her.’
‘Very well.’ Jane sighed. ‘I know you are trying to protect me, but I am involved in this whether or not you wish it, Andrew. Please thank Martha for me—but promise me you will not do something rash. You are distressed, but George deserves more gratitude than anger from you.’
‘Yes, perhaps you are right. However, we need to find him or Blake if we are to rescue Mariah. Please promise me you will not stray far from the house while I am gone.’
‘I promise. You will not forget Martha’s cow?’
‘I shall purchase one from a local farmer,’ Andrew promised and smiled. ‘It is a pity you were not a boy, Jane. An army life would have suited you down to the ground.’
Jane smiled, but made no answer as her brother strode from the room. She glanced around the comfortable parlour. It was good to be home and have all her things about her, but she felt a sense of loss that she could not quite explain to herself.
She was anxious for Mariah’s safety, of course, but that was not the whole of it. No doubt she was being very foolish, but at the moment her life seemed rather empty and meaningless. Jane had always been content with he
r simple pleasures in the countryside: drawing, playing the spinet, embroidery, walking with her dogs, riding and entertaining neighbours. Suddenly, none of her usual pastimes appealed and she found herself staring into space, feeling oddly lonely.
There was no point in brooding over what had happened. She must simply accept that she was unlikely to see George again.
Perhaps it was for the best. Andrew would scarcely encourage a friendship between them. Jane would just have to accept that the whole thing was a regrettable incident she would do well to put from her mind.
* * *
‘I am so glad to see you safely returned,’ Lucinda, Duchess of Avonlea, said as they sat together in her parlour the next morning. ‘It was so brave of you to try to protect Mariah and so clever of you to escape your captors. I am certain Mariah would have escaped, too, if she were able, but she must be kept more closely than you were.’
‘I am certain she would be. Blake only wanted her. I was just a nuisance. Besides, I had help. Without George I am not certain I should still be alive. I believe Blake might have killed me had I not got away when I did.’
Lucinda shuddered and pulled her shawl about her shoulders. ‘I remember how I felt when I was abducted by that awful man who wanted to blackmail me. Had it not been for Andrew and Mariah…’
‘Do not think about it, dearest. It was different for me, because I knew I was not the intended victim and I managed to escape.’
‘The man who helped you—you have no idea who he really is?’
‘No…’ Jane hesitated. ‘It is foolish, I know, but I liked him so much.’
‘Was he a gentleman?’
‘Yes, I am sure of it. He would not tell me why he was with Blake that day, but I know he was being blackmailed.’
‘You really liked him, didn’t you?’
‘Yes.’ Jane could not meet her eyes as she said, ‘Do you remember asking my advice before you married the duke?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘Until you met him you had no intention of marrying?’
‘None at all.’
‘What was it that made you change your mind?’
Lucinda hesitated, then, ‘I hardly know—except that something in the way he looked at me made me feel my life would not be worth anything without him.’ Lucinda was a little shocked. ‘Surely…I mean, you could do so much better, Jane.’
‘Could I?’ Jane looked rueful. ‘I once heard myself described as a plain-faced harpy by a man I thought I cared for. I fear that perhaps my way of speaking plainly may have made gentlemen who might have offered for me take me in dislike.’
‘No, how could they? I know you are fiercely independent, Jane, but I am sure you could marry if you wished.’
‘Perhaps, but I have gained a reputation for being outspoken and, in truth, I’ve found few men that I would wish to marry.’
‘Are you saying that you care for the man who helped you escape from your abductors?’
‘I am not certain what I am saying,’ Jane confessed and laughed. ‘I dare say it is all nerves and I shall forget him within a week.’
* * *
Jane sat in front of her dressing table, brushing her long dark hair. Andrew had been gone for two days without sending her any word of his intentions. It could not have taken him that long to ride to Martha’s, speak with her and ride back. Even if he had stayed at an inn one night to break his journey, he should surely have been back by now. Where was he—and what was he doing?
She was concerned lest he had discovered something and gone looking for George—or, worse still, for Captain Blake. He would do much better to wait until Avonlea returned from London so that they could search together.
Uncertain whether her concern was more for her brother or for George, Jane was about to retire to bed when she heard something rattle against her bedroom window.
She went to look out and saw a man standing just below her in the courtyard. Fortunately, the moon was bright and she was able to see his face.
‘George—is that you? What are you doing here?’
‘Jane?’ He looked up at her. ‘Thank God you are here! Are you alone?’
‘The servants are in the house, but my brother is not here. Why?’
‘Come down and help me. I have Lady Fanshawe safe, but she has swooned and I think she may have a fit of hysterics if she opens her eyes and sees a strange man.’
‘Oh, thank God! I am coming. Wait for me…’
Jane threw on a warm dressing robe over her nightgown, easing her feet into sensible slippers. She ran quickly down the stairs and opened the side door that led out into the courtyard.
George came to her immediately, his eyes searching her face.
‘How have you been? Are you well?’
‘I am well enough, thank you. Where is Mariah?’
‘I brought her here on my horse, but she fainted. I have left her in your summerhouse. I wasn’t sure what to do—I dared not take her to the duke’s house. He would ask too many questions.’
‘Avonlea is in London,’ Jane said and fled across the lawn to the summerhouse. George was just behind her as she pushed open the door and went in. The moonlight revealed the unconscious figure of Mariah Fanshawe lying on a cane daybed, which Jane often used on summer days when she wished to be alone. She bent over her, feeling for a pulse in her throat. ‘She is still unconscious. We must take her into the house. Can you carry her—or shall I fetch help?’
‘I can manage. The fewer people who know of this the better,’ George told her. ‘She was just about conscious when I snatched her and she understood that I was helping her, but she fainted and I had to hold her for most of the time we were riding here. I strapped her to my body so that she could not fall—but I fear she is ill.’
‘What has that devil done to her?’
‘He may have drugged her. She shows no signs of being beaten or assaulted, but she was certainly in a fever of some kind. She called me by her guardian’s name and I allowed her to think it.’
George had gathered the unconscious girl in his arms. Jane preceded him as they walked swiftly back into the house and up the stairs.
‘We shall take her to the guestroom next to mine. My godmother stays there when she visits and the bed is always kept aired.’
‘I thank God for your good sense,’ George said. ‘Blake led me to her and I took her when he left her to have his supper. It was only as I rode away with her that I realised that I could not take her home. Avonlea would have me arrested.’
Jane had pulled back the top covers and he gently placed Mariah in the bed, her head resting on the pile of soft pillows. She gave a little moan and her eyes flickered, but did not open. Jane touched her forehead. It was hot and damp.
‘The duke might be more grateful and more understanding than you imagine,’ Jane said. She felt her cheeks grow warm as George’s eyes went over her and she realised that she was not properly dressed. He must think her lost to all propriety. ‘However, you did well to bring her to me, sir. She certainly has a fever. I shall send for a doctor and keep her here until she is well enough to go home.’
‘Thank you.’ George looked into her eyes. ‘I do not mind for my own sake, but as you know someone else would suffer if my part in this was revealed. Blake would destroy the happiness of someone I care for in revenge.’
‘You have not yet recovered your property?’
‘No, unfortunately not. I had hoped to find the things I need, but I discovered Lady Fanshawe first and acted on impulse.’
‘It was a good and noble deed,’ Jane told him with a look of approval. ‘I hope it will not bring retribution on your head, sir.’
‘I do not—’ George broke off as they heard the tread of a man’s footsteps in the hall. Then the door opened and a man entered. ‘Damnation, I thought you said you were alone?’
‘Jane? Who is…?’ Andrew’s attention was drawn to the bed. ‘Good God! Is that Mariah? How did she come to be here?’
‘Th
is gentleman brought her to me,’ Jane said with an apologetic glance at George. ‘However, he wishes his part kept secret.’
‘I must go,’ George said. ‘She is safe now. Goodbye.’
Andrew stared at him, moving swiftly to block his path. ‘I suppose you are the man who helped abduct my sister—and then helped her to escape?’
George looked distinctly uncomfortable. ‘Forgive me. I never intended harm to Miss Lanchester. I dare say she has explained the situation?’
‘I should wish for a further explanation from you, sir. You will wait and speak to me in private. I wish to know more of—’
At that moment Mariah opened her eyes and gave a little scream of distress. Jane bent over her, smoothing her damp hair back from her forehead.
‘You are safe now, Mariah,’ she said softly.
Turning to look at Andrew, she said. ‘Please fetch the doctor and send word to the duke and Lucinda so that she has no further need to worry. Mariah is safe now. George has risked much to help us. He is not your immediate concern now, Andrew. Mariah comes first.’
‘Yes, you are right,’ Andrew said and glared at George. ‘Very well, I shall not prevent you from leaving. Just give me an idea of where I may find Blake—and your word that you will never come here again.’
George glanced at Jane, but she was busy bathing Mariah’s head with a cool cloth and taking no notice of him or her brother.
‘Very well,’ he said. ‘I shall tell you where I found Mariah—but Blake may be long gone. I do not know where he may have gone to ground, but he will be furious when he discovers Lady Fanshawe has been snatched and he may come looking for revenge.’
They went out of the room together, leaving Jane busy with her patient.
* * *
It was much later that evening, when the doctor had been by and given Mariah some medicine, that Jane had time to think and to realise that she still did not know who George really was—nor had she thanked him for what he had done for Mariah.