"Ariel," he said. "Thank God you are well."
She had just enough time to shoot Nathan a see-I-told-you-so look, noting the pistol was now hidden, before rushing into his arms.
"Reggie. Thank you for coming."
He pulled back. "What have you gotten yourself into?" he asked, shaking her shoulders. "First Phoebe tells me you're engaged to this man, and then she tells me she fears he's kidnapped you, for you didn't return home last eve."
She glanced at Nathan. Reggie followed her gaze. She felt him stiffen, saw his face tense.
She pulled out of his arms, turning toward Nathan. "Reggie, this is Mr. Nathan Trevain, lately of the American colonies."
Neither man moved. Ariel clasped one of Reggie's hands and pulled him toward Nathan, who, thankfully, had hidden his pistol. She halted a few feet away.
"Mr. Trevain, this is my cousin by marriage, Reggie Whittfield, Lord Sarrington."
Nathan bowed. Reggie tensed. He drew back his fist and punched Nathan square on the jaw.
"Oh, my goodness!" she cried.
"That," Reggie pronounced, "is for scaring my wife, a woman I happen to love rather fiercely."
Nathan never moved an inch, even though she could plainly see where Reggie's fist had connected with his jaw. A livid red mark marred his skin. The sight intrigued her, for by all accounts, Nathan should be on the floor.
Instead he said, "I see manners haven't improved for British noblemen."
"Manners, you bloody bastard," Reggie gritted out, shaking his fist again. "You kidnapped my wife's cousin. I should take a pistol to you, except Ariel asked me not to."
"Enough," Ariel interjected, stepping between the two. "This is ridiculous. Reggie, you are here to help us, not incite a duel. Nathan, Reggie is quite within his rights to be angry, if you will but take a moment to admit it."
Both men admitted nothing, each glowering at the other. Truly, she was rather fond of Reggie and growing fonder by the moment. To think he loved Phoebe so much he would punch a man in the face for her. She almost sighed. Oh, to find a man like that!
"That is better," Ariel said, when she realized the two of them would end up staring at each other all night if she didn't say something. "Reggie, thank you for coming."
Reggie pulled his gaze away to look at her. "You're welcome, though I should take a birch to your backside, too, for what you put Phoebe through last eve. She was afraid to call the magistrate, afraid because she thought you might have actually run off and married the man."
Ariel bit her lip, trying not to wince at the expression on Reggie's face. She'd seen that look before, when she'd complied with Phoebe's wishes and accompanied her back to London. Reggie had known she would not be accepted back. Reggie had been right.
Silence filled the room. Ariel wondered who would say something next.
It was Reggie. "Ariel, I would like to speak to you in private."
She shot Nathan a glance before saying, "Whatever you have to say you may say in front of Mr. Trevain."
"Actually I would be happy to leave you alone."
Ariel turned toward him again. "You would?"
He nodded. "Were I Reggie, I would want to speak to you privately, too."
But she didn't want to be alone with him. She shot Nathan a look that told him so, a look that the wretch ignored, for he gave them a bit of a bow, then turned and left. "'Twill serve you right if he does abscond with me," she called out.
Nathan paused at the door, lifted a brow, then turned away. Cad.
"That was easier than I thought. Come. I've men waiting outside."
Ariel started, turning back to Reggie, who had a sudden look of urgency on his face. "You do?"
"Aye. Now, we must hurry, for they've orders to storm the house if they do not hear from me soon."
"Oh, Reggie, you haven't!"
"Of course I have. You didn't think I'd believe that nonsense about wanting to help him."
"But I do want to help him."
"Impossible."
She shook her head. "I do, Reggie. What is more, I will not move an inch until you agree to help him, too."
An unblinking stare was his response. "You're mad."
"Indeed I am."
"But you can't help him."
"Why not?"
"Because the man has kidnapped you, Ariel. Or did that escape your notice?"
"No, Reggie. It did not. Now, tell your men to go away, for I shan't move an inch." She took a step toward the door.
Reggie spun her around to face him, his expression livid. "Ariel, I do believe I could throttle you."
She lifted her chin, deciding to brazen it out. "You will do no such thing, Reggie, for I know you love me too much to harm a hair on my head. 'Tis why you will help Nathan and me."
"I will agree to nothing."
"You will, just as soon as you tell your men to leave."
He didn't move.
"Now, Reggie." She crossed her arms.
She thought he might do the same, instead he spun on his heel, stomped toward the window, then opened it up. He let loose with a whistle. A few moments later, she heard a man's voice say, "You all right, sir?"
"I am well. It appears my cousin was embarking upon an elopement."
Silence, then the voice said. "Well, then, glad she's all right'n tight."
By now Ariel had moved behind Reggie, blanching at the sight of three men, all of whom held pistols.
"Gracious, you were serious."
Reggie leaned back, closed the window and turned to face her. His glare made all moisture instantly evaporate from Ariel's mouth.
"Bow Street Runners. I paid them ten guinea to ride ahead of me and help me apprehend your kidnapper."
Gracious, she'd heard of the late Henry Fielding's Runners, though she'd never seen one before. "Let me see."
Reggie caught her about the arm. "No, Ariel, this is no time for curiosity. What the devil have you and my wife gotten yourselves mixed up in?"
"Well, certainly not an elopement." She quickly outlined the events of the past two days. "Granted, Nathan has not behaved in the most admirable way, but he is the victim of an injustice, and though I toyed with the idea of having him hauled to the local magistrate and incarcerated in a gaol, I no longer wish for that to happen."
"Nathan is it?"
She blushed. Gracious, she'd been doing that more and more of late, calling Mr. Trevain by his Christian name. She really should stop. There could, of course, be no future for them. Not with all that stood between them now and in their past. "I meant Mr. Trevain."
"Mmm hmm."
She held her tongue.
"And you would help him despite the way he fooled you into thinking he wanted to be your friend?"
She colored. Truly, Reggie had a way of picking at open wounds. "While I haven't exactly forgiven him for that, I've decided it would not be Christian of me to turn my back on his needs. . .and he needs our help."
Reggie crossed his arms.
"He does, Reggie."
"Oh, I've no doubt."
She didn't think explaining the look on Nathan's face when he'd begged her to help him would help her cause, and so she kept quiet.
"The man cannot be trusted."
"Perhaps, perhaps not. But what I do know is that his brother is missing. Would you not do whatever it took to find Phoebe if she were missing?"
He didn't like the question, she could tell. "This is different."
"How?"
"His brother was a naval officer. He knew the risks he took when he went aboard his ship."
"And that makes it all very nice and neat in your mind, does it not? Let the man become a slave. He should have expected as much. How utterly convenient."
Reggie's eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms again. When that failed to sway him, she drummed her fingers as she waited for his response. It was his turn to swing away from her, his back stiff as Lady Pelton's wig. He was grappling with his moral self. She recognized the signs. Clenching
hands, tense jaw.
"How do you propose to help him?"
Ariel released a breath, crossing to his side in an instant. "Thank you, Reggie."
"Do not thank me yet, for I've yet to agree."
But he would, she was sure of it. "We need access to the Admiralty."
"No." Reggie held up his hands. "I will not risk myself or my family being branded a traitor for a bloody patriot."
"But you must."
"No."
"Then I will tell my father about the papers you lost, the ones I helped you find that day. You remember, the list of troops and their positions? The secret papers—"
"Silence," he interrupted. "I remember."
"Then you remember your promise to me when I found them for you. You are a gentle-man, Reggie, I would hope that you keep your promises. I am calling in the favor you owe me now."
His face tightened, his lips compressing. "I am not so dishonorable."
"Then help us, Reggie. That is all I ask."
16
So it was that the three of them found themselves on their way to London less than a hour later, Reggie looking mutinous as they rambled down the road in her father's carriage.
Ariel didn't care. She was quite pleased with herself. The day had turned out quite fine, she noted, one of those sparkling days when the sky and leaves and grass look fresh and new.
They arrived earlier than anticipated. Or perhaps Ariel's thoughts had not marked the passage of time appropriately. She stared out the window as they crossed over the Thames, her thoughts of Nathan Trevain fading as she grew more and more tense. What if they couldn't locate his brother? What if they searched the Admiralty and were caught?
What if. . .What if. . .What if. . .
Gracious, the challenge of finding Nathan's brother seemed too monumental to embark upon.
So when Reggie asked, "When do you want to leave for the Admiralty?" Ariel tensed as she waited for Nathan's answer.
"Today."
Ariel gulped. Today!
"Very well. I shall get started on locating a disguise for you the minute we arrive," Reggie answered, for they had decided to accompany him. His eyes swung to Ariel's. "Ariel, you will stay behind."
"Oh, no, I will not," she answered immediately.
"Yes, you will."
"No, Reggie, for if you do not let me go, I shall follow on my own. Would you not rather have me safe by your side?" She lifted a brow.
His eyes narrowed. She smiled. His hands clenched. Her smile grew.
"Well, if you will not stop her from going, I shall."
Ariel's gaze swung to Nathan's. "No, you will not, Mr. Trevain, for if you will not let me go, I will stop Reggie from going. I'm sure he would be only too happy to comply with my request, wouldn't you, Reggie."
Her cousin by marriage didn't answer, just frowned, clearly not liking either of his options.
"Do you both understand?"
Neither of them answered.
Ariel felt supremely pleased with herself. "Well," she sighed, leaning back in her seat, her hands plopping onto her lap. "Now that that is settled, I think it would be wise for you, Reggie, to find me some boys' clothes. I can pretend to be a lackey or some such nonsense. Nathan, of course, will have to dress as a naval officer. . ."
And on and on she prattled, Nathan wanting to throttle her. Damnation, but she had them both by the balls. It was not a feeling he particularly liked. Judging by the looks of things, neither did Reggie. He was almost tempted to suggest to the man that they band together to overpower her, but he discarded the notion. Without Ariel D'Archer he could not guarantee Lord Sarrington's cooperation, and without Sarrington he had nothing.
Clever chit had them outwitted.
He pressed his lips together, a part of him applauding her cunning, the other part wanting to throttle her and a small, small part of him wanting to kiss her. But just a small, ridiculous part.
So when they arrived at his lordship's residence, neither of the two men was in very charitable spirits. They were greeted by Phoebe, Lady Sarrington, bounding down the stairs and into Ariel's arms.
"Ariel D'Archer, where have you been?" she asked, drawing back.
"I was kidnapped, Phoebe, if you will believe that. Mr. Trevain took me hostage to help expedite finding his brother—"
"Ariel, not out here," Reggie chastised her.
Nathan saw her gaze shoot to the groom. She seemed to blanch. "Er. . .ah. . .yes. Let us go inside, and I will tell you all about it."
Nathan and Reggie were left upon the pavement.
"How long have you known her?" Nathan found himself asking.
"Ariel or my wife?"
"Ariel."
"Since she was seventeen."
"And does she always raise within you this uncontrollable urge to strangle her?"
Reggie looked startled, then amused, though it was a reluctant amusement at best. "Always."
"Hmm. 'Tis as I thought."
Two hours later all was in readiness for their departure. Reggie had made good on his word to secure an officer's uniform, though where he'd obtained it, Nathan had no idea. The blue, short-waisted jacket with gold buttons fitted a bit snugly. Nathan left it open, exposing the white sash beneath. White breeches and shiny black boots—his own—completed the outfit. Having worn such disguises before, Nathan knew he looked the part of a captain, only he refused to wear the black chapeau bras. In his opinion, the half-moon-shaped hat looked better carried beneath an arm than perched atop a head.
"Well, how do I look?"
Nathan swung toward the sitting room door, his gold epaulets swinging, only to take a step back at the sight of Ariel.
"Is the transformation not amazing? I confess myself rather pleased."
And it was amazing, but not for the reasons she surmised. Bloody hell. Every curve she possessed showed. Her ankles were covered by stockings rather than skirts. He felt himself stare at those ankles, at the delicate curve of the calves above them, then her thighs. By the time he reached her waist, he found himself as hard as cannon iron. Bloody, bloody hell. With her brown jacket open, he could see her breasts protruding beneath her white shirt. "Phoebe helped me, though she was not best pleased. I suppose my cousin and her husband regret ever inviting me to London. Gracious, but it has been an adventure, has it not?"
And all he did was gawk. If he hated wearing his own pilfered uniform, he hated what Ariel wore all the more. But whereas he hated his clothes because of the war they represented, he disliked what Ariel wore because they revealed far, far too much.
And that bothered Nathan.
A lot.
"You need to change."
She lifted black brows. "I do?"
"Yes." Into a habit. A multilayered cape. A chastity belt. Nathan didn't care. "Something that isn't quite so—"
"Revealing?" she supplied.
"Exactly."
She straightened, the white shirt she wore tightening over her breasts. "I'm glad you noticed."
Their eyes met. Suddenly the room stilled. The amusement in Ariel's eyes faded. Nathan stared. God, but she was beautiful, even with her hair beneath a boy's cap. That she had agreed to help him still amazed and confused him. After all he'd put her through, after he'd treated her so ill, after their kiss. . .
"Nathan?" she asked, her head tilting at the currents that swirled around them.
He felt the urge to go to her, to tip her chin up, that damnable urge he didn't seem to be able to stop. Instead he held himself erect, hands clenching then unclenching.
"Change," was all he said.
She shook her head. "There is no other choice but this."
"Can you not cover yourself a bit more efficiently?"
"How?"
Good question. Just then Reggie entered the room, looking crisp and professional in his standard secretary's garb of beige breeches, black coat and dark gray waistcoat. But when he spied Ariel, he stopped, looked at her over his spectacles, then turned to Nathan.
<
br /> "I see the clothes fit her as well as the ones I secured for you."
"They do, but I am not pleased with the attire."
He turned back to her. "Whyever not? It looks quite effective to me. I would not know her for a woman had I seen her on the street. Phoebe tells me you bound your breasts. That was quite good thinking."
Not know her for a woman? Was the man blind? Could he not see as clear as day that the exotic, slanted eyes, thick brows and luscious lips belonged to a woman? The way she blushed at the mention of her breasts. Bloody hell, her wonderful breasts.
"She needs to wear something else."
"No time."
"There is plenty of time."
Reggie looked at his pocket watch. "We need to get there as the guard changes. There is no time."
Nathan wanted to protest further. Bloody hell, how he wanted to protest.
"Are we ready?" Ariel asked. "For if so, I would like to say good-bye to Phoebe first." She shot out of the room before Reggie had a chance to protest.
"She should change," Nathan immediately complained again.
Reggie peered over at him with a look of impatience. "Mr. Trevain, let us get something straight. I am helping you under duress. What Ariel is wearing is her best chance of getting in and out of the Admiralty without being detected. I may be angry with her. I may want to throttle her. But I love her like a sister, and I do not want to see her get caught. Now, shall we leave?"
He didn't wait for Nathan, much to his disgruntlement. Yet oddly enough, as he watched him go, Nathan wasn't angered by the speech. Instead he found himself almost liking the man.
The office of the Admiralty was located in Whitehall, a bustling street with three-and four-story buildings blocking the afternoon sun. Ariel had never been inside the offices before, although she'd been in front of them often enough, usually when her father stopped on his way out of town.
Now her pulse leaped as they pulled up in front, the red-coated guards on either side of a nondescript door making her instantly nervous.
"We will start in the records room," Reggie said. "Follow me."
The records room. It sounded so official, Ariel thought, squirming upon her seat. The door opened, emitting the smell of mud, sewer and horses. None of it fazed Ariel as she gingerly stepped down, Nathan following in her wake. She did tense, however, as they passed the guards, but no cry of "Halt, who goes there?" stopped them. Thank goodness.
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