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

by Hunt, Brenda

  There was no doubt in Worth’s mind Madame Demey was all about a seduction attempt. He almost laughed out loud she would even contemplate he would be interested. The jocularity of the whole situation would have been truly amusing, had he not been so concerned about Lili.

  “Your grace, how delicious it is that you have so graced the hollow halls of my simple abode.” She almost licked her lips in anticipation. She usually did not entertain many clients but she would entertain the duke. He was as prime an example of the male species as she had been led to believe. She could feel herself responding to him. Her eyes traveled to the Marquess at his side. “Ah, and the marquess as well. A very lovely evening it is turning out to be. What can I do for you gentlemen? I have many things available.”

  To have the Duke of Worthingston and the Marquess of Lynden as her clients would indeed be a feather in her cap. Their influence and power could go a very long way in aiding her. She was always looking to the future, of who could be of the greatest assistance to her influence in London. She smiled with anticipation, like the big cat that sat in the kitchen eyeing cook’s pitcher of cream.

  Worth watched her face closely, saw the smile and read her thoughts. She was so obvious. He was going to so enjoy this.

  “My request is very simple, Madame. I am here for Lady Lilias McGowan.” He was in no mood to play games.

  Madame looked up surprised. He knew about the new girl, the Scottish girl, so quickly. She in turn schooled her face to hide her surprise. She had planned on giving her to the Earl of Atwoode when he came in later tonight. It was a deal she had made with him when she first started the business. He enjoyed initiating the new girls. She seldom had any trouble, after he welcomed them to his perverse pleasures.

  “Ah, the Scottish redhead. She is my most popular girl since she has come to me.” Madame sighed in false disappointment. “But I’m afraid your grace, she is otherwise occupied for the evening. Perhaps, one of my other ladies. There are several here, I am certain would be most eager to please,” answered Madame Demey.

  Had she known the Duke better, she would have noticed the twitch in his left jaw line when she mentioned the fact Lili was otherwise occupied. Only the mere fact, he knew Lili had only gotten to this establishment earlier, saved Madame.

  Lynden did notice the twitch and smiled. He admired his friend’s restraint so far.

  “It appears you have misunderstood me, Madame,” replied Worth, as he walked over to stand beside the fireplace. He reached and removed one of her lovely porcelain figurines from the mantle. He fingered it. German, expensive.

  “I have come to take Lady McGowan away from this house,” continued Worth, calmly, tracing the face on the figurine absently as he stared into Madame Demey’s eyes.

  Madame Demey raised her eyebrows in astonishment. She sat up. She met his stare. “I don’t think so, your grace. I have paid handsomely for her. I plan on her making me a great deal of money.” She had plans for the girl.

  Worth smiled mockingly. “I don’t think so, Madame.”

  Madame Demey threw her legs over the side of the chaise and sat upright. “I am not without influence, your grace.”

  Worth laughed softly but it had a sneering tone. “I am influence ---and wealth--- and power, Madame. I suggest it is in your best interest, you halt this delay and tell me where I can find her.” Worth felt her hesitate. The head of the figurine snapped in his fingers.

  Madame Demey gasped in shock. “That was quiet expensive.” She gave him a hardened stare. She began to rethink her opinion of the duke. “I have several men in attendance here to stop you. I have but to say the word,” she threatened.

  Worth smiled with anticipation and gave another short laugh. “So have I, Madame. They are outside and just await my orders. I have paid them handsomely to tear this place apart, board by board, until it is but a pile of rubble, if I am not given the lady I seek,” stated Worth. He stared at her. In fact, he almost wished she would try something.

  Madame Demey was taken aback. Surely, he was bluffing. Even one such as he, would dare not. “You cannot be serious. I have several influential friends who would find great offense with this.”

  “I doubt it, Madame. But then, there would be very little they could do about it, when this place is destroyed and you, Madame, find yourself on a ship headed somewhere, as an indentured servant. Believe Madame, when I tell you, I have seen to every detail concerning this. You either tell me where the lady is and I will for the most part leave well enough alone here or,” he paused for a long second to prove his point, “I can destroy it all right now, right before your eyes. The choice is yours.”

  Worth dropped the two pieces of the figurine in her lap. He raised one eyebrow. “I want your answer, now! Where can I find Lady McGowan?”

  Madame blanched as the figurine landed in her lap. She felt like she was staring in the face of Lucifer himself, who had ascended from hell to stand before her. The gold of his eyes flashed with fire. She had no doubt in her mind, he would follow through with his every threat.

  Still staring at her, Worth lost patience with her. “Lynden, please see to it my orders are carried out. Have them start here in this room first,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers.

  Madame Demey raised her hands in surrender. “Enough. Very well. You win. She is on the second floor, the west wing, the last door on the left. The red room.” She lowered her gaze in defeat.

  Worth nodded. He turned to Lynden. “Watch over her, Lynden. I would not want Madame to do something, she will undoubtedly regret.”

  Lynden smiled broadly. “Of course, Worth. I shall be more than happy to. I’d advise you not to take very long. We would not want the men outside to get restless and begin things.”

  Worth stopped at the door and turned back to the room and replied with a laugh. “That would be most unfortunate, would it not?” He hurried out of the door.

  Madame Demey watched him leave and turned to the Marquess.

  “Don’t bother to offer, Madame. The duke and I are old friends from our school days. We are closer than brothers. Besides, I always enjoy Worth’s adventures.” He laughed. The pistol in his pocket was his added insurance. He had little doubt of his ability to use it, if need be.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Worth took the steps two at a time, turned down the west wing and hurried down the hall. He could hear sounds coming from behind some of the closed doors he passed. He would not let his mind drift in that direction. Lili would be alone. Heaven help the person Madame may have given her to.

  He stormed through the door, the door banging hard against the wall. The room was dark. A small candle was lit on the chest by the bedside. No fire glowed in the fireplace. He approached the bed quietly. Lili hadn’t moved when he came charging in. She lay on her back in the middle of the bed dressed in some red thin gauzy type gown. For a moment, his heart was gripped in a vise like grip. For one dreadful moment, he thought she was dead. But he noticed the slight rise of her breast as she breathed.

  He knelt on the bed at her side. He stroked her cheek softly with his fingers.

  “Lili, love, it is me, Colin. I am here. You are safe.”

  She moved her head slightly and moaned softly. “Sh, my love. I’m here to take you home,” he whispered. He could smell the laudanum on her breath. Damn that woman, he thought.

  He shrugged out of his jacket and wrapped Lili in it. He gathered her in his arms. It was only then he was able to breathe easier. She was safely in his arms. He strode out of the room and down the hall. He needed out of this place before he did as he had threatened earlier and tear this place apart. The anger in him was that great.

  At the bottom of the stairs, he turned and roared down the hall, “Linden, I have her.”

  Several of the patrons looked out from the parlor, as well as many of the girls that were strolling about. One look at the Duke’s face had them searching for cover.

  He watched as Lynden strode quickly down the hall. Madame Demey
close on his heels. He would have never thought the woman could move that fast.

  “Do not say a word Madame or I shall have my men tear this place apart. Rest assured Madame, you will pay for this,” Worth threatened and then turned and strode out the door being held open by Lynden.

  Madame Demey followed to the door and watched as the Duke ascended into his coach awaiting him in the drive. It was then, she noticed a dozen or so men on horses come out of the darkness and follow the coach out. He had not been bluffing.

  It was only then she let out a sigh of relief, until she remembered his parting words, his parting threat. Maybe it was time, she called in some favors to protect herself for she had little doubt the duke meant every word. She would speak with Atwoode. He would not be pleased with this either.

  Chapter 14

  Day is over, night has come.

  Today is gone, what’s done is done.

  Embrace your dreams, through the night.

  Tomorrow comes with a whole new light.

  Unknown

  Worth sat in his carriage with Lili at long last safely in his arms. He would not breathe easy until she regained consciousness. Every time he thought of how Lili had been drugged, he wanted to turn around and make good his threat and tear that damn house down.

  Lynden looked across to his friend. “Is she alright? Do we need to get a doctor?”

  Worth shook his head. “I don’t think so. I believe she has been drugged. I smell laudanum on her. She was alone in the room, so I believe we also got there in time.”

  “Good,” replied Lynden. He sat back and laughed softly.

  Worth looked at him through narrowed eyes. He found nothing laughable about the situation.

  “Just reminding myself, I am so very glad to have you as my friend, on my side and never to cross you. You remind me time after time, but tonight you out did yourself. When you broke the head off that figurine, I thought Madame would have an apoplexy right there on her chaise. Her expression was something to behold. It was worth being there to watch.”

  Worth smiled wryly. “What I wanted was her head.”

  Lynden chuckled again. “I do believe she thought you would.” He turned serious again. “She does have some influential clients.”

  Worth nodded. “I am very well aware. After tomorrow, they will know better than to assist her in any way. I have already set that into motion. I leave nothing to chance, my friend.”

  Lynden smiled. “Yes, I remember well. Very little gets pass you. Well, if you need my assistance tomorrow with any of it, I will be more than happy to deliver some well-meaning messages.” Lynden had found London to be boring of late. When Worth had sent his message earlier, he was more than willing to help. It was just the diversion he was looking for.

  He stared at the young woman his friend held securely in his lap. “Is she worthy of your devotion, Worth?” he asked, because of his concern for his friend.

  Worth gazed down at the young woman in held safely in his arms. How did he explain to his friend, the fear that had gripped his heart when he returned to Glendenning only to discover Edward had been there in his absence and had forced Lili to accompany him back to London?

  Until that moment, he knew she had earned his respect and admiration for all she had done to keep her family safe and fed. Then to have worked through the fear Edward had left her with, to give herself to him. That gift had been very precious to him. He had gone to Edinburgh to set up legalities that would take care of Glendenning and its laird and family under his name. He had come back to discuss it all with her and hopefully convince her, he only had their best interest at heart. At that time, he still hadn’t realized how much she meant to him.

  But to arrive at Glendenning and find her gone, tore him at his heart. The thought of never seeing again or the fear of just how far Edward would go, sent him into such a panic, the likes he had never known. None of his spying trips or even days spent on the battlefield had frightened nearly as much. It was that moment, he realized he loved her. Then add the long days to get to London with all that time to think, it was the only conclusion he could admit to.

  Worth looked up at Lynden a bit sheepishly. “Yes,” he answered simply. “I am not certain how or when, but yes.” Yes, he knew when. If he be truthful with himself, the when was the moment he first saw her, masquerading as a highwayman.

  “She intrigued me the first time I met her.” He chuckled softly. “Do you know the first time I saw her, she was masquerading as a highwayman, held a gun pointed at me, and robbed me.”

  Lynden sat up shocked and wondered if his friend was joking about the matter. He looked at his friend’s face in the reflection of the lamp in the carriage to make certain Worth was not jesting.

  Worth saw his look of disbelief. “Yes, she masqueraded as a highwayman. I hunted her down till I found her. I believe she still does not know, it was me she robbed.”

  “She robbed you?” asked Lynden with skepticism. He could not see Worth being robbed by the young woman he now held in his arms.

  “Yes,” replied Worth and told him the story of his initial suspicions and his obsession to track her down. When he did finally find her, he realized the circumstances that had led her to that occupation.

  “I need not tell you, this story goes no further than this coach,” warned Worth.

  Lynden laughed. “And who would believe me, my friend?” Very interesting, indeed. He was now anxious to meet this young woman of Worth’s.

  The coach pulled up to the side entrance of Mannery House. Lynden opened the door and stepped down as soon as the coach came to a halt. He held the door open as Worth stepped out. He followed Worths’ long strides, but Meyers had the side door already open waiting.

  “Meyers is everything prepared as I requested?” asked Worth, as he walked through the open door. He knew it would be.

  “Of course, your grace. Mrs. Nettles and Marie are waiting upstairs.”

  Worth turned to Lynden. “Please wait for me in my study, while I get Lili settled. I need to talk with you more about what I have planned for tomorrow.”

  Lynden nodded and waved Meyers off. “I know my way, Meyers. I will help myself to some of your excellent brandy while I wait.”

  Worth smiled. “Just make sure you have a glass waiting for me, maybe the whole damn bottle.” He could hear Lynden’s laugh follow him up the stairs. Meyers was at his heels. As he got to room he had chosen for Lili, Meyers held the door open. Mrs. Nettles and Marie were waiting.

  “Mrs. Nettles, I believe she has been drugged, she smells of laudanum. I need her out of this dress into something else,” instructed as he laid her down in the bed. She looked so pale laying there, her breathing shallow. He felt his heart skip a beat. Had he truly rescued her in time? He had to have. He could not think otherwise.

  “I have something, your grace, I can give her, that will lessen the effects of the laudanum. We have a night dress with the clothes we bought at Madame Beaucage. Rest assured, your grace, Marie and I will see to her. She is in our hands and she is safe,” explained Mrs. Nettles.

  Worth nodded. He took one of Lili’s hands and noticed the reddened bruises about her wrist. He softly pulled the other to examine it as well. There were bruises about it, too. He could feel his blood boil. He gazed at her face and noticed bluish green bruise upon her cheek. Tenderly, his fingers touched the area. He expelled his withheld breath as he closed his eyes. Edward would pay for this.

  Worth nodded again. “Mrs. Nettles, see to any and all of her needs. I leave her in your competent care, but if you fear she needs a doctor, send for one at once,” instructed Worth.

  “Of course, your grace. We will make sure she is well cared for. Don’t ye worry, you grace,” assured Mrs. Nettles.

  Worth turned and walked out of the room with one thought in mind. Edward. Damn, he wished he had beat him to a pulp. But then the plans he had for him, would make him suffer for more than just the few days the beating would have provided. Worth smiled.r />
  He walked into his study. Lynden sat in one of the big brown leather winged chairs in front of the fireplace, a half empty glass of brandy in his hand, the bottle and a full glass on the table between the chairs. Worth sat down in the empty chair, grabbed the glass, and downed it in one long swallow.

  Lynden raised an eyebrow in question, knowing Worth did not abuse good brandy as he had just done. Something more was about.

  Worth turned to Lynden. “He is being securely held.”

  Lynden peered at Worth and was about to ask who, but one look at Worth’s face, he changed his mind. “Yes, very secure. Why do you ask?”

  “When I laid Lili down upstairs, I noticed bruises on her wrists from being bound and a bruise upon her cheek from being struck,” replied Worth brusquely, pouring himself another glass of brandy sipping it slowly this time.

  Lynden let out a slow breath. This did not bode well for Edward.

  “I believe I need to pay him another visit,” stated Worth calmly.

  Lynden knew that exterior calmness belied a raging bull ready to unleash its destruction with deliberate fineness. He could not feel sorry for Edward. “Tonight?” he asked. “Would it not be more conducive to wait for the morning?”

  Worth looked at him through narrowed eyes. “Why? Do you believe I might kill him?”

  Lynden laughed. “No, but Edward will wish he were dead. Remember my friend, I have seen you in action and then, it was for love of your country. This is for love of a woman, the woman you have claimed as yours. You were never known for your forgiveness when wronged.”

  Worth raised an eyebrow. “Me?” questioned Worth in mock innocence.

  Lynden laughed. “Yes, you, my dear friend.”