by Beers, Laura
When they reached the main hall, a desk was set up in the middle of the room with a piece of paper laying on it.
Corbyn walked over to the desk and picked up the paper.
I will always be one step ahead of you.
Corbyn saw Baldwin approach him, his pistol in his right hand. “What does it say?” he asked.
“He’s taunting me now,” Corbyn shared, showing him the note.
Stewart’s eyes roamed the main hall. “I think it’s safe to say that this place is empty and doesn’t pose a threat to us.”
“Agreed,” Baldwin replied.
Corbyn crumpled the paper in his hand. “I’m tired of this cat and mouse game,” he said. “It’s time we start playing the game by my own rules.”
“How do you propose we do that?” Baldwin asked.
“I’m not entirely sure,” Corbyn replied honestly, “but I will figure something out.”
Chapter Sixteen
Jane awoke to the sun streaming through her window and birds chirping merrily outside. She groaned as she put a pillow over her face. She’d had a fitful night of sleep because she kept replaying her conversation with Lord Evan over and over in her mind. What had she been thinking when she declared her affection for him?
He’d admitted that he held her in some regard but was adamant that there could be no future between them. Why was that? And what was holding him back?
Regardless, he didn’t care for her enough to offer for her, so she needed to accept it and move on. But why did her heart ache at the mere thought of it?
A knock came at the door, and she removed the pillow from her face. “Enter,” she ordered.
The door opened, and Madalene stepped into the room. “Good morning, Jane,” her sister-in-law greeted cheerfully.
“What’s so good about it?” she grumbled.
Madalene walked closer to the bed. “You missed breakfast.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Are you ill?”
“No.”
Madalene eyed her curiously. “Whatever is the matter?”
“Why do you suppose something is wrong?”
“Because you are not one to miss breakfast.”
Jane sat up in bed and rested her back against the wall. “I’m afraid I am out of sorts today.”
“Is there a particular reason why?” Madalene asked.
“No,” she lied.
“Does this have something to do with how you ran out of the drawing room in tears last night after speaking to Lord Evan?”
A surprised look came to her face. “How did you know?”
“Baldwin told me,” Madalene admitted.
Jane knew her sister-in-law would pester her with questions until she revealed what was bothering her, so she might as well reveal the truth. “I spoke to Lord Evan, and I confessed my affection for him,” she shared.
“I see,” Madalene replied. “I take it that it wasn’t received very well.”
“It was not.”
Madalene came to sit down on the bed. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“He informed me that he cared for me, but there could be no future between us,” Jane shared.
“Did he give any indication as to why?”
Jane shook her head. “He did not.”
“Perhaps he will come around.”
“I don’t believe that to be the case,” Jane said as she played with the fringe on her blanket. “He was quite adamant about it.”
“It might be for the best,” Madalene attempted.
“Why do you say that?”
“You deserve someone who will love you with his whole heart and will fight to have you in his life.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she murmured.
“I know I’m right.”
Jane let out a sigh. “It’s just different when I’m with Lord Evan.”
“In what way?”
“When he looks at me, I feel as if he is looking into my very soul, and he sees me for who I truly am,” she said, lowering her gaze. “I know it sounds silly.”
“No, of course it doesn’t.”
Jane brought her gaze back up. “I just don’t understand why he won’t even entertain the thought of a future between us. I know I could make him happy.”
“I would imagine Lord Evan is struggling right now, with his father being gravely ill,” Madalene remarked.
“I don’t believe that’s what is holding him back.”
“Why do you say that?”
“His eyes hold secrets,” Jane replied.
“Secrets?” Madalene asked. “What kind of secrets would the second son of a duke have?”
“I don’t know, but there is so much more to Lord Evan than what he portrays,” Jane said. “I can feel it.”
Madalene frowned. “Are you going to start following Lord Evan like you did Oliver?”
“It was different with Oliver,” Jane defended. “I saw him in the rookeries, and I decided to follow him.”
“And you could have been killed.”
“But I wasn’t,” Jane pressed. “Lord Evan saved me, just as he saved me in Hyde Park.”
“You were most fortunate.”
“I was,” Jane admitted. “But in both cases, the reasons he gave for being there were rather ambiguous.”
“Why do you suppose that was?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I intend to find out.”
“How do you intend to do that?”
Jane bit her lower lip. “I have no idea at the moment,” she admitted.
“It might be best if you learn to accept that some things are out of your control.”
“Meaning?”
“Why does it matter how Lord Evan spends his time?” Madalene asked. “It’s not as if you two have an understanding.”
“That’s true, but we are friends.”
Madalene cast her an exasperated look. “Not if you try to pry into his business.”
“You make a valid point.” Jane blew out a puff of air. “I suppose I am just bored, since Baldwin has ordered me to remain at Hawthorne House.”
“That is for your own safety.”
“I am well aware.”
“We could walk in the gardens after I return from the orphanage,” Madalene suggested.
“That does sound more appealing than spending all afternoon on my needlework in the drawing room.”
Rising, Madalene said, “Then I shall be looking forward to it.”
“Thank you for cheering me up.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Madalene responded, smiling.
After Madalene departed, Jane’s lady’s maid stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
“You’re finally awake,” Susan said.
“I am, but I’m debating sleeping the day away.”
Susan walked over to the armoire and removed some articles of clothing. “That would be most foolhardy, as it is a beautiful day.”
“Is it?”
“It is,” Susan confirmed. “Shall we dress you?”
Jane tossed the blankets off and put her feet over the side of the bed. “I suppose so.”
“You sound reluctant.”
“I am just dreading what today will bring.”
Susan gave her a curious look. “If I may say so, milady, you don’t seem very much like yourself today.”
“That is because I confessed my feelings to Lord Evan, and he told me in no uncertain terms that he does not intend to offer for me.”
“Then that’s his loss,” Susan said firmly. “Not yours.”
Jane gave her lady’s maid a grateful smile. “Thank you for saying so.”
“You’re welcome.” Susan walked closer to the bed. “Besides, I think a change of scenery would help you greatly.”
“You may be right.”
“I know I’m right.”
Jane chuckled wryly. “I suppose I shouldn’t remain here, feeling bad for myself. That will only make me more miserable.”
After Jane was dressed, and her hair neatly coiffed, she exited her bedchamber and headed towards the drawing room. She might as well start working on her needlework.
As she descended the stairs, she saw Oliver and Emmeline in the entry hall, enamored looks on their faces. It was evident they cared for one another, despite Oliver carrying on as he had been.
Oliver glanced over at Jane. “You’re looking well.”
“Thank you, Brother,” Jane replied as she approached them. “I wish I could say the same for you, but your clothes are horribly wrinkled.”
“And he is in desperate need of a bath,” Emmeline interjected.
Oliver grew serious as his eyes searched Jane’s face. “I heard someone attempted to abduct you in Hyde Park.”
“It’s true,” Jane confirmed.
“I’m glad that Lord Evan was there,” Oliver said.
“As am I.”
Oliver stepped closer to her and put his hand on her shoulder. “I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you.”
“Thank you,” she replied, touched by the tenderness in his eyes. “That is most kind of you to say.”
A smile came to his lips. “After all, you are my favorite sister.”
“I am your only sister,” she bantered back. “But I must agree with Emmeline on one thing.”
“Which is?” Oliver asked.
Jane scrunched her nose. “You do require a bath, and quickly.”
Chuckling, Oliver dropped his arm and stepped back. “I couldn’t agree more,” he responded as he reached for his wife’s hand. “If you will excuse us, Jane.”
Jane remained in place as she watched Oliver and Emmeline walk up the stairs, smiling at one another. Would she ever find someone who looked at her as Oliver looked at Emmeline?
As the servants milled around her, Jane decided that she wanted to be alone, so she headed towards the rear of the townhouse. She stepped outside and lifted her head up towards the sky, enjoying the warm sun on her face.
She started walking down one of the many paths as her thoughts continuously returned to Lord Evan. Why couldn’t she just banish him from her thoughts and be done with it? She was spending entirely far too much time on a man who had rejected her. But she couldn’t seem to help herself. She knew in her heart that she had fallen desperately, hopelessly in love with him.
So distracted was she that she barely noticed the sound of footsteps approaching her. As she started to turn around, something slammed against her head, and everything went black.
Corbyn stepped into Baldwin’s study and walked over to the drink cart. He poured himself a drink as he tried to figure out how to beat Kerley at his own game. He was tired of being second best, and he refused to look like a fool any longer. He was a better spy than Kerley, and always had been.
Baldwin closed the door. “You were right about Stewart. He wasn’t entirely incompetent today.”
“I must admit that Stewart has pleasantly surprised me on multiple occasions.”
“Maybe not all Bow Street Runners are worthless?”
Corbyn smiled. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he joked.
Crossing the room, Baldwin picked up the decanter and poured himself a drink. “Have you figured out how to stop Kerley?”
His smile dimmed. “Not yet,” he sighed.
“You’ll find him.”
Corbyn took a sip and then lowered the glass. “Perhaps Lord Daniel is right about me.”
“In what way?”
“Have I let my father’s illness distract me from the task at hand?” he asked.
“I suppose only you can answer that question.”
“Life was much simpler a few weeks ago,” Corbyn admitted.
Baldwin smirked. “Is that because you weren’t speaking to your family and all you did was work constantly?”
“Partially,” Corbyn admitted, “but I never stopped speaking to my mother. I wouldn’t dare do that to her.”
“Do you feel as if you are distracted?” Baldwin asked, watching him closely.
“Distractions can get you killed.”
Baldwin bobbed his head. “That they can,” he agreed, his gaze unchanged. “But you didn’t answer my question.”
“I am well aware.”
A soft knock came at the door, interrupting their conversation.
“Enter,” Baldwin ordered.
The door opened and Madalene stepped into the room, wearing a blue gown with a round neckline. She smiled politely. “I was hoping for a moment of Corbyn’s time.”
“You wish to speak to me?” Corbyn asked in surprise.
“I do,” Madalene replied as she closed the door.
“What do you wish to speak about?”
“Jane,” she said simply.
Corbyn’s hand tightened around his glass. “There is nothing to discuss.”
“I think there is,” Madalene pressed.
Corbyn frowned. “I’m afraid you don’t know what you are speaking of.”
“I do, completely,” Madalene replied, maintaining his gaze.
Baldwin glanced between them. “Can someone please explain what the blazes is going on?”
Madalene turned towards her husband. “I believe that Corbyn is in love with Jane.”
Baldwin bobbed his head. “I agree with that statement.”
“That is utter rubbish!” Corbyn exclaimed.
“Oh?” Madalene asked. “Then why did you admit that you care for Jane, but informed her that there could be no future between you two?”
“That was a private conversation,” Corbyn muttered.
“I assure you that Jane told me in the strictest confidence,” Madalene shared.
Baldwin lifted his brow. “Did you tell Jane that you cared for her?”
“I did,” Corbyn admitted, seeing no reason to deny it.
“Pray tell, why don’t you offer for her, then?” Baldwin asked.
Corbyn gulped his drink and placed the glass back onto the tray. “Because it’s not that simple.”
“Why is that?” Madalene questioned.
“It just isn’t.”
Madalene pressed her lips together. “Would you mind explaining your reasons in further detail?”
“Do I have a choice?” Corbyn asked.
Madalene smiled sweetly; too sweetly. “Of course. This is not an interrogation.”
“It certainly feels like one,” Corbyn grumbled.
Madalene walked over to the settee and sat down. “Why don’t you start at the beginning?”
“Meaning?”
“When did you first realize that you held Jane in high regard?”
“From the moment I met her,” Corbyn reluctantly shared.
“Then why didn’t you offer for her when she confessed her attraction towards you?” Madalene asked.
“I couldn’t do that to her.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
Corbyn walked over to an upholstered chair and dropped down. “My life is not conducive to having a wife.”
“Why do you suppose that is?” Madalene inquired.
“The lies, the secrets…” Corbyn’s voice trailed off. “It wouldn’t be fair to her.”
“Why don’t you let Jane decide?”
Corbyn looked at her in surprise. “I don’t dare tell her the full truth of what I have done and who I truly am.”
“Why not?” Madalene asked.
“What if she rejects me?”
Baldwin interjected, “Why do you believe Jane will reject you?”
Corbyn ran a hand through his hair. “I have done too many terrible things in my life to ever believe I deserve a life of domestic bliss.”
“Love is about acceptance for who you were and are,” Madalene said.
Corbyn huffed. “I see you’ve been reading fantastical nonsense and whatnot.”
Madalene’s lips twitched. “No, I ju
st know what it was like when I was confronted with Baldwin’s past.”
“It’s different with you and Baldwin,” Corbyn insisted.
“In what way?” Madalene asked, cocking her head.
Corbyn abruptly rose from his seat and approached the mantel over the fireplace. “I have worked longer than Baldwin.”
“Not by much,” Baldwin said. “We were recruited around the same time.”
Madalene rose and stepped closer to him. “It’s all right to be afraid.”
Corbyn looked at her in surprise. “I’m not afraid of anything.”
“I think you are, and that is a sad way to live,” Madalene said. “If you have nothing to lose, then what are you living for?”
“I have plenty to live for,” Corbyn argued.
“Such as?”
Corbyn placed his hands on the mantel and leaned in. “I am responsible for all the agents of the Crown, and it’s a job that I take very seriously.”
“I have no doubt. But what about love?”
“What about it?”
“Would you turn your back on love?” Madalene asked.
Dropping his hands, Corbyn turned to face Madalene. “Yes, if it meant that I could keep Jane safe.”
“And if she is safer with you?”
“She isn’t,” Corbyn asserted. “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything ever happened to her!” He tossed his hands up in the air. “Is that what you want to hear?”
“It’s a start,” Madalene replied.
“I can promise you that Jane is safer being far away from me,” he insisted.
“I contend that is not true.”
Before he could reply, the dowager marchioness stormed into the room, a panicked look on her face. “Has anyone seen Jane?” she asked.
Madalene shook her head. “I haven’t seen her since I returned from the orphanage.”
The elder Lady Hawthorne turned frantic eyes towards Baldwin. “Have you seen her?”
“I haven’t,” Baldwin replied. “But we only returned from an errand a short time ago.”
“This is not good,” the dowager marchioness said as she started pacing the small study. “The servants have scoured Hawthorne House, but there is no sign of her.”
“Perhaps she went riding,” Madalene suggested.
“She wouldn’t dare,” Baldwin said. “I ordered her to remain in the townhouse unless I am escorting her.”