Mark fought his revulsion. “I assume you could advise me on the best methods to deal with any reluctance.”
“Of course. For an additional fee, we can give you a special concoction we like to give these girls. It makes them far more biddable, and the more they take, the more they need. Thus they are not anxious to leave us.”
Bile rose in Mark’s throat. He had to force himself to relax his hold on his glass lest he break it. Was this what Susanna had refused to tell him? “Price is not an issue as long as I get what I have requested. Tell me about this girl.”
“She’s well bred. She came out this year. Quite the little ice queen. Breaking her in would sure give me a thrill.”
A girl from society? Never would he have imagined they took girls from anywhere but the servant class or the streets. “Do all your girls come with such a pedigree?”
“No, most of them come from less fortunate situations. This one is special. She rebuked my brother and me. We feel she needs some attitude adjustment.”
His smile made Mark’s stomach churn. “Where is your brother by the way? I rather expected to see him today.”
Walter stopped smiling. Mark thought his color faded a bit, though his sickly skin made it hard to tell. “He’s not in town at the moment.”
Mark didn’t believe that for a moment. Something was wrong. He would have to look into the matter later that day. “Tell me about this girl. What does she look like?”
“Oh I am certain you would enjoy her. She is small but lush. Her breasts simply beg for a man’s hands—or his lash.” Linton laughed.
Mark squeezed his fist to keep from landing Walter a punch to the face.
“Her hair is thick with big loose curls. But her eyes. They are most unusual. So deeply gray they are almost lavender.”
Mark’s heart skipped beat. A young woman who’d given them a set down. A woman with lavender eyes.
Amanda. Mark was almost certain of it. Did Linton know he’d been with Cassandra at Langley’s party? Was Linton baiting him or were they unaware he was involved with Amanda’s sister?
Mark had to force himself to continue listening to Linton.
“Those eyes will reflect pain beautifully. I am certain you will be pleased.”
Thank God Linton hadn’t noticed his discomfort. Mark had to pretend to reach an agreement and get out before he killed Linton.
“She sounds like exactly what I am looking for. As for breaking her in. I would like that pleasure.”
“That will—”
“Yes, yes. It will cost more. Money is not the issue here. When can you deliver her to me?”
“Give us a few days, we will contact you when we have her in our possession.”
“Excellent. We can negotiate the price after I have seen her and assure myself that she is all you have promised.”
“Where can we contact you?”
“I’ve got rooms at the Clarendon.”
“Excellent. You will not be displeased. This girl is of the highest quality.”
“I would expect nothing less. I must go now. I have some less pleasurable business to attend to.”
As soon as he left, Mark looked around for a hack, wishing he’d ridden instead of walking. He had to get to Amanda as fast as he could.
Finally he saw a driver waiting on the next block. Hopping in, he handed the man a handful of coins. “If you get me to Grosvenor Square in record time, I’ll give you twice that.”
They hurried along at a reckless pace, but soon got stuck behind a delivery cart. “Come on, man. I could walk faster than this.”
The driver forced his way onto the sidewalk, nearly running down an elderly woman and her dog. The hack tipped as they rounded the next corner, but all Mark could think about was arriving too late and finding Amanda already gone. His heart beat so hard he thought his ribs might break.
Finally, they pulled up in front of Lady Morgan’s townhouse. He tossed more coins at the driver as he leapt from his seat and ran to the door.
A footman answered. Mark pushed past him, asking for Miss Halverston.
“Stop, sir. You must come back.” The man tried to halt Mark’s progress, but Mark shook him off and searched each room until he found Amanda working a sampler in the conservatory.
“Mr. Foxwood, whatever is the matter?”
He was overcome with relief. He tore the embroidery hoop from her hands and pulled her to her feet. “Come with me.”
“What? Why?”
He was dragging her toward the door when her aunt appeared. “What is going on? Release my niece at once, or I will call my men to throw you into the street.”
“It’s all right, Aunt Claire. This is Mr. Foxwood. Cassandra introduced us yesterday.”
Lady Morgan took her niece’s arm. “I don’t care who he is. He has no right to barge in here and take such liberties.”
“I am not sure why he is so upset, Auntie.” Amanda paused, giving Mark the same look Cassandra always did before telling him he was insufferable. “I am sure he meant no harm.”
“What do you have to say for yourself?” Lady Morgan gave Mark a piercing glare.
“Forgive me Lady Morgan, Miss Halverston is in great danger. It is imperative that I take her to her sister immediately.”
“In danger? Whatever for?”
“A few of Lord Reddington’s most unsavory acquaintances have made threats against her.”
Amanda sucked in her breath. “Threats?”
“Yes, but I will see you are not harmed.”
Lady Morgan gave Amanda a quelling look. “I knew there was more of a story to Cassandra’s sudden appearance in London.” She turned to face Mark, her face no less imposing. “How are you involved?”
“I am a friend of Lady Reddington, and I have sworn to protect her. She and her house are under guard. Amanda will be safe there.”
“A friend?”
“Aunt Claire, please. Cassandra trusts him. We should do as he says.” Amanda tugged on Mark’s arm, trying to pull him from the room.
Lady Morgan raised her brow. “Are you Lady Reddington’s lover?”
Mark was rarely shocked, but this woman’s personality was even more forceful than Cassandra’s. At least Lady Morgan had not asked the question indignantly as one might expect. Her tone was actually rather hopeful as if she approved of the idea. He decided to honor her forthrightness. “Yes, I am, and I will do all I can to protect Lady Reddington and her sister.”
Lady Morgan smiled. “Taking a lover is the most sensible thing she’s done since she married that goat’s ass of a husband. She needs a man like you, one who knows how to take charge.”
Mark started to speak, but Lady Morgan held up her hand. “I don’t need to hear anymore. Take Miss Halverston and keep her safe.” She turned back to her niece. “I will expect a message from you once you are settled.”
“Might we make use of your carriage?”
“Of course.” Lady Morgan rang for a servant as she shooed them towards the door.
Mark’s mind whirled as he helped Amanda into the carriage and took the seat across from her. Had he really told Lady Morgan that he and Cassandra were lovers?
“Mr. Foxwood? Mr. Foxwood!”
He realized Amanda was trying to get his attention. “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“What is all this about? Why have I been threatened and why in the world did you tell my aunt about you and Cassandra?”
“In answer to your second question, I gambled on the notion the news would be well-received. As to the other matter, some of Reddington’s men intend to kidnap you and… Well, what they would do to you once you were in their custody does not bear repeating. Once we are safely within Cassandra’s townhouse, you are not to leave until this is settled.”
“How long will I be there? You did not allow me to pack anything.”
“Cassandra will provide you with clothes or a servant will deliver some. You are not to go out for any purpose. Ultimately, Reddington�
��s associates would kill you, but not until they made you wish you were already dead. Do not convince yourself you can handle this on your own. The last thing I need is another woman as stubborn as your sister.”
Amanda laughed. “I don’t think I could be as stubborn as Cassandra if I tried. Thank you for taking care of her.”
“I could do no less.”
“You love her, don’t you?”
Mark’s gut twisted as if she’d punched him. He studied her intently, wishing he knew how she read him so clearly.
She smiled. “You don’t have to answer. I know you do.”
“How is it you can be so certain of my feelings when you have only spent a few hours with me?”
“I read people easily.”
“And what does your insight tell you about Cassandra? Do you fancy her in love with me as well?” Did he really want to know her answer?
“I would never betray my sister’s trust in such a fashion. But don’t let her get away. My aunt was right. You are the best thing that could have happened to her.”
Mark scowled. “I wish you’d tell her that.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Attempting to distract herself from the aching knot in her chest, Cassandra wrote her sister, Eliza, outlining a modified version of the week’s events. She was sealing the letter when her maid, Rebecca, entered the library. “A gentleman is here to see you.” The young woman handed her a calling card.
She looked down at the name: Mr. Rhys Stanton. Did he have news about her assailant? “Show him to the back parlor.”
“Yes, my lady.” Rebecca left to comply with her wishes.
Cassandra hoped Mr. Stanton would be gentlemanly enough to ignore her disheveled appearance. When she’d mentioned Mark in her letter, stubborn tears had begun to fall.
When she entered the parlor, Stanton stood near the fire, holding his hands out to the flames. He was immaculately turned out in a heliotrope jacket and a gray waistcoat embroidered with silver thread, all set off by an intricately tied cravat, sleeves that were trimmed in lace, and Hessians polished to perfection.
“Lady Reddington.” He bowed.
“As an intimate friend of Mark’s, please call me Cassandra.” She wished she could drop her title altogether so people would no longer link her with her husband.
“Then I must insist you call me Rhys. I apologize for bothering you, but I’ve learned something I think you should know. I called at Mark’s townhouse, but he wasn’t there. I was hoping he was with you.”
“Please sit down.” Cassandra gestured toward the chairs near the fire. “Mark is meeting with the Lintons. I am unsure when he will return.”
Stanton frowned. “Oscar Linton won’t be meeting with anyone. He’s dead.”
Cassandra sucked in her breath. “How did you find this out?”
“I went to Amelia’s. It’s another establishment like Miss Caroline’s.” His sheepish grin made Cassandra smile.
“You can hardly expect me to be shocked by how you spend your evenings. I rather expect such from men.”
“If your expectations are based on your husband’s behavior, then I must correct you. All men do not behave in that fashion. I would never—”
“You would never beat a woman who did not please you or kidnap a young girl and force her to do your bidding. No, I do not think that of you. My husband rather excelled at depravity. While I imagine your conquests are legion, you strike me as more the run-of-the-mill rake, harmless to all but young debutantes or women who give their hearts too easily.”
Stanton smiled. “I am not sure I like being described as harmless, but I suppose you are right. Though debutantes are safe from me. I’d rather be with a woman who knows the measure of her desire.”
“I suppose you fancy yourself able to fulfill all those desires.”
“I assure you, it’s not fancy.” He grinned, but his face reddened as if he’d just realized who he was speaking to.
Cassandra laughed. “I must say it amazes me that a man who professes to be a danger to women blushes when attempting to discuss topics of a scandalous nature.”
“You are under Mark’s protection.”
She raised her brow. “Are you afraid of Mark?”
“I wouldn’t say afraid, but certainly wary. Any man would be a fool not to be. He is a force to be reckoned with, though you seem to be faring rather well.”
“I think my ability to hold my own is rather infuriating to him.” And it’s driving him away. She remembered the look on his face as he’d turned to leave her that morning and wondered if he’d ever look at her with tender concern again.
“Perhaps so, but…”
She studied his face. He seemed to be working to find the right words. “You are free to speak your mind to me. I prefer forthrightness.”
“No. It’s nothing. I should finish telling you what I heard at Amelia’s.” She wanted to press him, but instead, she nodded in agreement.
“As I prepared to leave, I overheard Walter Linton talking to Amelia, the proprietress. The door to the room they were using stood ajar, so I stopped to see what I could learn.
“It took me a few moments to piece together what had happened. But I figured out Oscar Linton had been murdered by a man named Gaston. I think he’s the same man who ordered Reddington’s death.”
Cassandra’s heart rate accelerated as fear, anger, and hope all raced through her. “Why? What did they say?”
“Amelia was certain they would be killed as well, but Walter assured her he’d made a deal with Gaston. He told Amelia he wasn’t going to be stubborn like Reddington or his brother. He said if Gaston wanted more girls, he would give him what he wanted, and Amelia would have to help him.”
“So Reddington and Oscar Linton crossed Gaston by failing to deliver what he wanted,” Cassandra said, more to herself that to Rhys. “Why would Reddington have risked angering him?”
“I don’t know. Walter and Amelia began arguing about money, but I had to leave when two men exited a room down the hall. Perhaps Gaston wasn’t paying them enough.”
“Perhaps not. Mark went to Miss Caroline’s last night. The woman he talked to said several women have disappeared from there recently. She said the other girls feared they were dead. This woman was forced to work there after taking a job as a servant in Oscar Linton’s household.”
Stanton looked stricken. “I did not realize some of the women there were coerced. I would never condone such behavior. The women I’ve been with showed no sign of reluctance.”
“You meant no harm. I know that.” She’d protected herself rather than going to the authorities about Reddington. She could hardly judge Stanton.
He smiled at her. “I hope Mark appreciates you.”
Stanton was as great a charmer as Mark, more dangerous in a way, because he was more subtle. Even when dressed in formal attire, Mark presented a rough exterior. His animal power was never successfully concealed. Stanton on the other hand did a smashing imitation of an effete, hiding his strength beneath the clothes of a dandy.
“Why do you hide who you really are?”
“What an impertinent question.” His smile showed he wasn’t offended.
“Perhaps so, but I’m curious. You are more like Mark than one would ever guess from your appearance.”
“Who in society ever shows their true self? I find this façade amusing and convenient. It gets me into places a man like Mark could never go.”
She smiled. “I’m sure that is true. Although I imagine Mark opens plenty of doors with his rougher methods.”
Stanton grinned and nodded his agreement. Cassandra told him the other things Mark had discovered at Miss Caroline’s. Stanton was stating his disbelief at Southwood’s involvement when Mark burst into the parlor with Amanda in tow.
“Amanda? What are you doing here?” Cassandra asked.
Mark and her sister both began to speak at once, and Cassandra understood nothing from either of them. Finally, Mark gave Amanda a que
lling look. She sighed and gestured for him to continue.
He told them what he had learned from Walter Linton. When he mentioned that Oscar was not there, Cassandra caught Rhys’s eye but said nothing. By the time he finished, a knot had formed in Cassandra’s stomach. She gripped her sister’s hand, but she wasn’t sure who needed the comfort more, Amanda or herself.
She took a deep breath, trying to still her nerves. “Come let’s sit down. Mr. Stanton has some important news as well.”
Mark looked around when she said “Mr. Stanton” as if registering Stanton’s presence for the first time. Rhys stood from his chair and bowed toward Amanda. “We have not been properly introduced, but I can only assume you are Cassandra’s sister. You are a perfect replica of her except for your most exotic eyes.”
He walked behind Amanda and reached his arms around her as if to undo the clasp of her cloak. “May I?”
Amanda nodded, and he took the cloak from her shoulders. Rather than putting it down, he held it over his arm, letting his fingers run absently over the fabric. Cassandra should have scolded him for flirting with her sister, but she knew he wouldn’t harm Amanda and she was sure her sister needed some amusement.
“Rhys, as you guessed, this is Miss Amanda Halverston, my sister. Amanda, this is Mr. Rhys Stanton. He is a friend of Mark’s.”
Amanda gave Stanton a withering look. “I would prefer if you did not maul my cloak. It was given to me by my aunt, and I am rather attached to it.”
Stanton looked down at his hands as if he had not realized what he was doing. “Of course. I meant no harm. It is a beautiful garment, almost as beautiful as you.”
Mark scowled at him. “What’s wrong with you, Stanton? This is no time for your ridiculous games.”
Stanton shook his head. “Do forgive me. I was quite overcome by the young lady.”
Mark gave him a withering look. “Have a seat.”
“I’ll take the cloak.” Cassandra pulled it from Stanton’s hands. “Rebecca can hang it when she brings in tea.”
The four of them sat, Mark and Rhys in the two Windsor chairs and Cassandra and her sister on the sofa.
A Carnal Agreement (Regency Intrigue Book 1) Page 19