In Pursuit of a Scottish Lady (Moonstone Magic Book 2)

by Hunt, Brenda

  Lynden was tall, heavier set than Worth not fatter just broader, all muscle with dark hair, dark eyes. Since Madelaine, he had this cavalier attitude about him. When he attended assemblies, mothers went above and beyond to protect their young lambs from this wolf. He was no wolf in sheep’s clothing, he was pure wolf.

  In many ways, Worth had been like Lynden. He always felt, all the women he met, had only been after his title. He hated attending anything associated with the season when young ladies were paraded about by scheming mommas. Maybe, thinking back, that was why he had not told Lili, he was a duke. He knew it would change the way she looked at him. If truth be told, he had enjoyed being Colin Wells. But Colin Wells would never be able to save her, the way the Duke of Worthingston could.

  “What are you plans?” asked Lynden.

  “We will wait till Edward returns unless one of Oxley’s associates finds him first. If Lili is with him, which I seriously doubt, I will take Lili away. If he has already sold her, then he will be persuaded to tell me to whom. At that time, we will go and rescue her.”

  Lynden studied Worth with skepticism. Too simple, thought Lynden. Worth had more in store for Edward than he was saying. It will be interesting to watch, thought Lynden. This Edward fellow was in for a very unpleasant interview. Lynden had seen Worth in action on the continent. He could be very dangerous when crossed. And Edward had done more than cross him. He watched Worth rub his cane gently with the thumb and fingers of his left hand. He had seen Worth do that very thing several times while waiting. He knew it for what it was. Worth used it to keep him calm and focused. This did not bode well for Edward.

  “We could be here for hours,” suggested Lynden.

  Worth let out a sigh of frustration. He was thinking along the same lines.

  “White’s is not far. Let’s leave Oxley here to watch and have him send for us when Edward returns.”

  Worth frowned. Lynden was right. It could be several hours. He could be a patient man, but this stretched his patience to the limit. Worth waved through the open window of the coach. Oxley came up the carriage.

  “Oxley, have you heard any more concerning Edward?”

  “No, your grace. I have several of my men out looking for him.”

  “Lynden and I will wait at White’s. Send word to me, as soon as you know where he is,” instructed Worth.

  Oxley nodded. “The moment we have him, I will contact you, your Grace.”

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Lynden followed Worth to a far corner at White’s. Worth was in no mood to talk with any of the patrons there. Thankfully, it was rather empty which Worth liked. As they sat down, Worth ordered a bottle of whiskey.

  When the bottle and glasses were delivered, Worth poured half glasses for both. He took a long sip. Usually, he had no problem waiting, but this was different. What Edward had done to Lili played havoc with his nerves. He had had days to think and imagine all the things Edward could have done to her. He desperately wanted to put his hands on Edward. Worth put his glass down.

  Lynden stared at his friend with compassion. Never, had he seen Worth so anxious. Worth was never ruffled, even during some of the most harrowing experiences in France. Those had never affected him so. “A game of chance to wile away the time?” Lynden asked.

  Worth shook his head. “Tell me what’s been happening here in London while I have been away. Surely, there have been some changes.”

  Lynden looked at him strangely. Worth was never one that listened to gossip. But if this was what Worth wanted, he would gladly tell him. For the next hour, Lynden regaled him with all the latest on dits being bantered about London.

  Worth listened, many of the names he did not know. Every so often, Lynden did mention someone he did know, and made the appropriate comment. A couple of times, an old acquaintance passed by and stopped by the table. Worth exchanged a few words but no one was invited to join. Worth knew that was only making everyone more curious but he needed to be free to leave at a moment’s notice.

  The waiter approached. “Your Grace, this was left at the door to be given to you immediately,” and handed a note to Worth.

  Worth tore it open and read it. Have him. Worth smiled with anticipation as he crumbled the note in his hand. Finally!

  Lynden smiled. “And?”

  “They have him.” Worth stood up and began to walk out and ran into Atwoode. There was something about the earl he did not like. There was a coldness in his eyes. He only knew him slightly. Worth had heard some rather disturbing rumors about Atwoode. He was often found with strange company.

  “Back in London Worth? You have been missing for quite some time,” stated Atwoode brusquely.

  Worth looked at him through narrowed eyes. “Yes,” he answered him and continued walking. He was not in the mood to talk especially with someone like Atwoode.

  Atwoode watched Worth’s retreating back. He nodded to Lynden, as Lynden walked by in Worth’s wake. Those two, Atwoode never liked. He realized Worth had just snubbed him. With a shrug, he turned and walked away. A trip to Madame Demey later would relieve his frustrations. She had sent him word she had a new girl. He always enjoyed breaking in a new girl.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Worth gave the driver a different address. Startled, Lynden followed him into the carriage and sat across from him. As they rapidly rode away, Lynden asked, “That’s your warehouse by the river.”

  “Yes.”

  Lynden raised an eyebrow in question.

  “I gave orders to Oxley earlier I wanted him brought there. I can question him there with no interference.” Worth smiled with anticipation. He had wanted to deal with Edward ever since the night Lili had told what he had done to her. His hands itched. He was most anxious to question him on Lili’s where abouts. Edward had better come up with the right answers. The ride which should have been short seemed to take forever to Worth. He watched the scenery pass before the window.

  Worth was out of the carriage before it came to a stop. Oxley was waiting for him outside the building. “I take Lady McGowan was not with him?” asked Worth, though he already knew the answer.

  “No, your Grace. He was alone,” answered Oxley. “I thought you would rather question him yourself?”

  Worth nodded. “Yes, I would.” He followed Oxley into a warehouse, past stacked crates to a small open area in the back corner. He could feel Lynden close on his heels. Lynden would have his back, not that he would need back up dealing with someone like Edward.

  In the corner sat Edward. A large burly man stood on one side, a pistol in hand. Worth stopped, still in the deep shadows and stared at the man in the corner. So this was the man who had raped an unconscious Lili. Had he done more to her on their way to London? The anger in him churned in his belly. He wanted to tear him apart but he also wanted him to suffer for the rest of his life, having him suffer for the rest of his life won out. He clenched his teeth. He stepped into the light.

  Worth watched Edward’s reaction. As much as he wanted to tear this man apart, he walked nonchalantly to stand in front of him. Worth stared at him. He adjusted the lace at his wrist and asked, “Where is Lady Lili McGowan?” Worth watched the shock cross his face. He saw him swallow hard. Good, he was afraid.

  “I know not what you speak of. I do not know this Lady McGowan. And who are you and why am I here?” he asked. Edward needed to know who he was dealing with. He was usually good at talking his way out of difficult circumstances. He had years of experience at it. What bothered him was how did this stranger before him know about Lili? They had just arrived yesterday. Who was he?

  Worth narrowed his eyes. Patience, he told himself. He exhaled slowly. He needed to find out what he had done with Lili. Where was she? It was the only thing keeping him from tearing this animal apart with his bare hands.

  “Who I am does not matter? Where is Lady Lilias McGowan?” Worth asked again.

  Edward shrugged. He looked at the two richly dressed gentlemen in front of him. He knew neither b
ut he knew of their kind, the titled kind. He hated how they could do whatever and not be held to task. How many he knew were in serious debt and never had to pay, but because he didn’t have a title, he was expected to pay immediately. Well, Lili McGowan had fetched him a handsome sum. His debt was paid and more leftover than he had hoped. His luck would turn at the gaming tables and he’d recoup his loses now he had money to play.

  “I know you took Lili from Glendenning. Both of you got to London yesterday evening. You left with her this morning. I will not ask again, where is Lili?” asked Worth very quietly.

  Edward stared at the man who stood before him asking, no demanding to know where Lili was. He did not look that intimidating. Probably all talk. Edward had seen that kind, too. Relied on his title to make people bow down. But they were all hot air and no substance. He would just bluff his way through this. He had done it numerous times before.

  “I told you before I don’t know this Lady ------ ”

  Before he could complete the sentence, Worth had the sword from his cane drawn and laid across Edward’s throat. Edward’s Adam’s apple bobbled up and down as he swallowed hard, the process nicked the skin.

  Edward felt the small drop of blood trickled down his neck. Edward open his eyes wide with shock and fear. He looked into brown gold eyes that shot fire. Eyes of the devil. He was about to die. Who was this person?

  “Where! Is! She!” Worth pushed his sword a fraction more. Another drop of blood dripped.

  “Madame Demey,” he croaked barely audible.

  “If she is not there, I promise you, I will be back,” stated Worth as withdrew and sheathed his sword.

  Edward took a deep breath of relief. Let Madame Demey deal with this devil. He had had his money. Now, that this person had the information he wanted, there was no reason to keep him here. He would soon be on his way.

  Worth took a step away, then hesitated a moment, turned and put his fist into Edwards face. He felt the bones of Edward’s jaw break under his knuckles. It was the greatest feeling of pleasure. Worth watched him fall from the chair unconscious to the floor at his feet.

  Lynden looked from Edward to Worth. “For a moment, I thought you had lost your touch, dear friend. May I never doubt you again,’ laughed Lynden.

  Worth threw him a disgruntled look. “I make a very bad enemy.”

  “That you do.”

  Worth turned to Oxley. “You do remember how I want this cleaned up.”

  “Of course, your Grace. It has all been taken care of.”

  “Good,” Worth nodded. He had heard of this Madame Demey’s place. A brothel that supplied some rather unique offerings. To think, his Lili was there, made him want to turn around and beat Edward to within an inch of his life, but he didn’t. What he had set up for Edward would be in the end far worse.

  “Very well how to we get to this Madame Demey’s place?” asked Worth, anxious to get to Lili, now that he knew where she was.

  “I know where her place is,” answered Lynden.

  Worth looked at him strangely.

  “No, I do not frequent the establishment so do not give me that look, Worth,” replied Lynden.

  “Your grace, allow me to investigate the place first,” suggested Oxley. “It is best to go into one of those places prepared.”

  Worth nodded. “Excellent idea, just do it, quickly. Hire some additional men just in case we need to storm the place, for I will take it apart if I have to, to find her.” Worth followed Oxley out of the warehouse with Lynden at his heels.

  Back in the carriage once again, Lynden turned to Worth. “There’s a possibility she has been sold to someone else.”

  Worth stared at Lynden. That thought had crossed his mind. The fear gripped his heart like the talons of a hawk gripped its prey. He could feel the talons ripping his heart open. But he refused to give in to that fear.

  “Then Madame Demey will roux this day.”

  Oxley opened the carriage door. “I have a dozen men with me, your Grace. Allow me to go on ahead and find out how many body guards there are.”

  “Sounds good Oxley. We will follow shortly. The sooner we get to her the better.”

  With a nod, Oxley was gone. Worth sat back in his seat. He was one step closer to finding Lili. It felt like everything was tangled about him, delaying him. Never, had he felt like this. He did not like the feeling, did not like it one bit. It played havoc on his patience.

  Lynden watched his friend closely. “How do you plan to handle Madame Demey?”

  “By whatever means necessary,” replied Worth. He meant every word. If she still had Lili, he would take her back to Mannery House. If she had sold her, heaven help her after she told him to whom.

  Worth sat back and waited. Again, he rubbed his cane, remembering Edward’s face with the sword at his throat. Little did Edward know what more awaited him.

  Chapter 13

  Nothing gives one person so much

  Advantage over another as to remain

  Always cool and unruffled under

  All circumstances.

  Writings Volume XIX

  Thomas Jefferson

  Worth stepped out of his carriage and adjusted the lace at his wrist. He hated wearing this type of clothing but he wanted it known, here was the Duke of Worthingston. He wanted his reputation to be his calling card tonight.

  He turned to Lynden. “So this is Madame Demey’s House.” He looked over the large stone three storied house that sat on the bare outskirts of East End. He knew of the house but had never frequented it. He knew its reputation. It wasn’t as bad as most the places of East End but still its reputation was an unsavory one.

  Worth looked to Oxley who sat on top of his carriage with his driver Jack. Oxley nodded and Worth looked around as about a dozen men came out from the bushes, all armed. He hoped they would not be needed, but he was not taking any chances. Oxley had informed him the house had only a couple of burly type men who stayed there and provided any brawn needed.

  Lynden looked at his friend. He had never seen him so determined, not even in all those times they had worked together on the continent. He had seen first-hand how merciless Worth could be when he went after something, whether it be information or a man. This was the woman he loved. All he could think of, was God help whoever stood in his way. He was here as Worth’s second, in case of need. But he was more interested in watching Worth in action. He was certain it was going to be entertaining, at the very least.

  “Yes, my friend, this is it. Shall we go in and rescue your fair maiden,” teased Lynden with a smile.

  Worth threw him a disgruntled look. Lynden was enjoying this a bit too much. But Worth knew that smile of Lynden’s hid a man of scrupulous character, a man who would have his back, no matter what. Together, they walked up the steps to the front door to be met by one of those burly men, Oxley had informed him of.

  “The Duke of Worthingston,” stated Worth as he presented his card.

  The man allowed entrance. The foyer of the house was as richly furnished, as any house of the London ton. A small petite dark hair young woman approached them, wearing a transparent gown of light green. Upon further scrutiny, she wore nothing else. Worth was never one to admire wanton display. To think, Edward had brought his Lili to this place. He could feel his blood begin to boil. No, there would be time for revenge. Rescuing Lili from this place had to be his primary goal.

  Worth gazed at her in disinterest and twisted the lace at his wrist again. “Tell Madame Demey, that the Duke of Worthingston wishes to speak with her,” he paused, “and I am not accustomed to waiting,” he continued, in his most bored tone. But his eyes had checked out the place, the stairs down the hall to the right, the parlor on the left with the sliding doors partially opened, where several other scantily clad women could be seen. The trace smell of the opium pipes filtered into his nostrils. He had seen many a good man ruined by such.

  His skin crawled to think Lili was somewhere in this place. His hands itched to m
ake someone pay for this. Patience, he kept telling himself. She was here. He would find her. He looked to Lynden who raised his eyebrows.

  “It is as bad as we were led to believe,” whispered Lynden. He did not like the look in Worth’s eyes. He had seen that look before and it did not bear well for anyone who became the subject of that look. He had heard Madame Demey’s reputation was cold, hard and brutal. But having seen Worth in action, his money was on Worth. Madame Demey had no idea of what was about to happen. She had better cooperate or Worth would make her life a living hell.

  Moments later the young brunette returned. She smiled enticingly at the Duke. He would make a very good client for the house. Madame Demey had nearly been beside herself when she had been informed he was waiting at the entrance.

  “This way, your grace. Madame is most anxious to speak with you,” she ushered them down the hall to the back of the house. “By the way, my name is Sylvie. I shall be very happy to see to any and all your needs, your grace.” She looked at him seductively and brushed her hand across her exposed breast.

  Worth followed Sylvie down the long hall towards the back of the house. After a quick rap on the door, she opened it and allowed them entrance.

  “That is all, Sylvie” replied the plump woman dressed in a black and gold brocade dressing gown.

  Worth glanced at the woman and took a quick look about the room. Gold brocade covered the walls. Its very opulence showed its owner garish taste. Several statues were scattered throughout the room. All in various stages of undress including one on a table near the window of a man and woman fully engaged in the act. He turned his attention to the woman that reclined on the chaise near the fireplace. She had left her dressing gown open, exposing her ample bosom. She lay so her legs were also exposed. Her face was painted, her hair no doubt a wig was blonde with several curls draped across her shoulder so that it lay atop one of breast drawing ones eye there.