Dauntless: Gentlemen of the Order - Book 1

by Clee, Adele

  The wild terror in Eva’s eyes rendered Noah frozen to the spot.

  “Harm a hair on her head and I’ll kill you with my bare hands,” Noah countered. “Lower the pistol. We know about the blackmail note and your devious plans. Smith told us everything.”

  He didn’t mention Smith was at Bow Street making a statement to implicate Hemming in exchange for his freedom. Hemming needed to believe he had a chance of escaping, else heaven knows what he might do in desperation.

  Hemming ground his teeth. “It’s your damn fault. Seducing her with your picnics and poetry.”

  “I’m in love with her,” Noah said, raising his hands in mock surrender. He needed Hemming to fire a shot at him. Amid the frenzy, Cole would take the blackguard down. “You’ll have to shoot me as I’m determined to have her for my wife.”

  Recognition replaced the panic in Eva’s eyes. “He’s lying. I have changed my mind. You were right. I fear Mr Ashwood wants to control me once we’re wed.”

  “And yet you didn’t heed my warning,” Hemming snarled.

  “I’m going to marry her,” Noah reiterated.

  He was not acting or playing a role. He would marry Eva Dunn and love her for the rest of his life. She would bear him strong sons and spirited daughters. They would never disrespect each other as their parents had done, never abandon their children.

  “Let us leave,” Eva pleaded with Hemming. “Let’s go somewhere quiet, away from here, and discuss what we should do now.”

  “No!” Noah challenged.

  But then the bane of Eva’s existence flexed his vocal cords. “Don’t leave with him, Evangeline. The man is as mad as a March hare.”

  Hemming couldn’t take the chance that Eva might listen to her brother, and so he shuffled back towards the door while keeping a firm grip on his prize.

  Cole met Noah’s gaze and stepped aside.

  “You can’t let him take her!” came Dunn’s outraged reply. “I need her to help me out of a fix.”

  Noah turned and punched the fool hard in the chest, knocking him back onto the truckle bed. “You’ve lost the right to act like the concerned brother.” Dunn was likely to say something to make Hemming shoot. “This is your damn fault.”

  And it was Noah’s fault, too. He should have forced Eva to remain in the carriage. He should have conducted a thorough search of the trunks and crates. Daventry was right. But he’d been so blind with rage upon seeing the snake slithering in his bindings he’d lost focus.

  Hemming edged out of the door, dragging Eva with him.

  Noah followed slowly, mindful not to make any sudden movements.

  “Don’t take another step,” Hemming said, guiding Eva sideways down the first few steps. “Move, and I’ll shoot her.”

  Their descent was awkward and clumsy. It proved almost impossible to navigate the dark stairway while holding a woman hostage and pointing a pistol at her head. Eva stumbled, but the devil caught her.

  The choking lump in Noah’s throat pressed against his windpipe. History often repeated itself. Families tended to suffer the same crippling blows. A man might be destined to lose every woman he loved. Perhaps it was foolish to hope, to dream.

  But there was a stark difference in this scenario. Noah’s mother had smiled and professed all would be well. Eva’s ghostly complexion and trembling lips spoke of terror. She wanted to live. The truth of it was plain to see.

  Amid the gloom of the stairwell, their gazes met.

  No doubt she could sense his torment as clearly as he sensed her fear. Perhaps that was why she made the sudden move, took advantage of an opportunity. When she drew a deep breath, he knew she was about to do something reckless.

  “Don’t,” Noah mouthed, shaking his head.

  But he was too late.

  The moment Hemming moved to step down, Eva elbowed him so hard in the stomach the man lost his footing.

  In the sudden panic, the pistol flew out of Hemming’s hand and bounced down the stairs. The succession of loud thuds echoed and would surely alert Bower.

  Arms flailing and nostrils flaring, Hemming tried to grab onto something stable.

  Aware of the imminent danger, Noah raced forward just as Hemming grabbed the back of Eva’s pelisse to prevent himself from falling.

  Time slowed.

  Bile lodged in Noah’s throat as he watched Eva stumble back. The look of horror on her face cut through his heart, sharper than any blade. No. It could not end like this. No. He could not watch another woman he loved perish. It would be the end of him. The end of everything.

  Eva managed to grip the handrail with her left hand. She reached out to Noah with her free hand, a desperate plea for him to save her. He was able to grab hold of her wrist seconds before Hemming lost his grip of her pelisse and tumbled down the stairs.

  Relief stole the strength from Noah’s legs. He flopped down onto the step and dragged Eva into his arms. Their breathless pants mingled as they embraced. He stroked her hair, muttered thankful prayers. He felt so blessed to have a second chance he almost forgot about Hemming.

  “Watch out!” Cole cried, throwing himself on top of them as the shot rang through the stairwell.

  In those few seconds when no one moved, a man couldn’t help but fear the worst. Cole was deathly still as he smothered them with his muscular body. Noah was aware of the rise and fall of Eva’s chest, aware that he had escaped being hit by the lead ball. And the hurried thud of footsteps retreating on the stairs spoke of Hemming’s escape.

  “Eva, are you all right?”

  “Yes, though I fear Mr Cole is hurt.”

  “Cole?”

  Silence.

  “Cole!”

  A groan rumbled deep in his friend’s chest.

  “Good God! Have you been hit?”

  “No.” Cole released a painful moan as he attempted to stand. Dust clung to the shoulders of his black coat. The lead ball must have hit the plaster somewhere above their heads. “It’s just my damn leg.”

  The old war wound plagued him during the winter months and those times when he exerted himself.

  “You risked your life to save ours, Mr Cole,” Eva said, somewhat in awe of the man. She came to her feet, though her limbs still trembled. “You might have died.”

  One would expect to see a flash of relief in Cole’s eyes, but it was the opposite. He looked disappointed, disappointed the Lord had not claimed his soul and saved him from his torment. For a while now, Noah had feared that Cole’s acts of bravery stemmed from a desire to die.

  Shouts from the ground floor reached their ears.

  “That must be Bower. He must have caught the devil.”

  They descended the stairs with care. Eva gripped the handrail as if she feared she might fall again. Cole hobbled slowly behind them, though he had taken to suppressing his groans.

  Bower was alone in the alley leading to Tavistock Street.

  “Where the hell is he?” Noah glared at Bower. “Tell me how in blazes he escaped!” Was there to be no end to the fiend’s tricks?

  Bower caught his breath. “He’s on the street, sir. He came a cropper—”

  Noah didn’t wait to hear the rest. He captured Eva’s hand and led her out onto Tavistock Street.

  A thick trail of burgundy blood led from the wrought-iron gates, past the goldsmith shop and stopping at Hemming’s lifeless body sprawled on the pavement. People congregated a few feet away, pointing, staring, whispering amongst themselves, while two constables tried to edge them back.

  Amid the chaos, Daventry hurried across the road with Sir Malcolm. The portly, grey-haired magistrate looked at Noah, his expression oddly grave. Noah could have sworn he noticed a hint of pity swimming in both men’s eyes. Strange.

  “What happened to Hemming?” Noah said as three more constables came running from the direction of York Street. “He threatened to kill Miss Dunn before shooting at us on the stairs.”

  Perhaps the fool had fallen awkwardly, though that still didn’t acc
ount for the excessive loss of blood.

  “A man stepped up to Hemming at the gates just as we arrived,” Daventry said. His voice was calmer than expected, yet something was troubling him. “He slit Hemming’s throat before bolting. The publisher staggered some way before collapsing on the pavement.”

  “So he’s dead?” Eva said as if afraid the man had nine lives.

  “Undoubtedly.”

  “I recognised the felon as one of Manning’s men,” Sir Malcolm said, pausing to shout instructions to the constables who seemed incapable of controlling the crowd. “After learning of your troubles, Miss Dunn, I suspect he mistook Mr Hemming for your brother. There’s only one way the man might have learnt of your brother’s location, but that’s an internal matter.”

  He meant the only way the felon could have arrived so promptly was if someone at Bow Street had turned traitor.

  “I see,” Eva said.

  An awkward silence ensued.

  “I thought you were busy dealing with Manning, Sir Malcolm?” Noah said when he could no longer stay his curiosity. Every bone in his body said something was wrong. Both men were acting strangely. “How did Daventry persuade you to come here and assist with our case?”

  “I’m here on other business,” Sir Malcolm said, albeit reluctantly. “Is there somewhere we might speak privately?”

  Privately?

  What the devil did Sir Malcolm want with him?

  “We can speak here.” Impatience burned. “I have nothing to hide from Cole or Miss Dunn.”

  Sir Malcolm’s pained expression drew attention to his heavily wrinkled brow. “It’s about your uncle.”

  “Hawkridge? What of him?”

  Sir Malcolm swallowed deeply. “I’m afraid Lord Hawkridge is dead.”

  Dead?

  It took a few seconds to absorb the information.

  “Dead? How? Tell me he didn’t trip down the stairs and break his neck.” Noah snorted, despite the rising panic in his chest.

  “His valet found him dead in his bedchamber this evening,” Sir Malcolm replied. “By all accounts, he retired earlier this afternoon with his wife. The staff presumed … well, I’m sure you understand your uncle’s need for an heir.”

  A host of scenarios formed, the most prevalent being his uncle died from the strain of trying to sire his successor. “Then I must attend Lady Hawkridge.”

  Sir Malcolm winced. “Lady Hawkridge has disappeared. There’s some suspicion she killed your uncle and escaped via the adjoining door. Both were locked when the servants tried to enter.”

  Noah struggled to absorb the information. Poor Gertrude. The woman must have been pushed to her limits.

  “I can vouch that the lady wasn’t in her right mind yesterday,” Noah said, knowing she would likely hang if found. “Though I wonder how a woman so slight had the strength to overpower my uncle.”

  Sir Malcolm’s cheeks flamed. “I believe she hit him over the head with a chamber pot. Numerous times. The contents of which were found smeared on his chest.” The magistrate glanced at the body of Hemming sprawled on the pavement. “But I need you to come with me.”

  Noah gripped Eva’s hand. “I cannot leave now.”

  “Mr Daventry will liaise with Sergeant Reeves and deal with things here,” Sir Malcolm said.

  Eva squeezed Noah’s hand. “You should go. The servants must be beside themselves with worry. Mr Sloane and Mr D’Angelo will be here soon. I shall stay with Mr Daventry and Mr Cole, see what is to be done about my brother.”

  Noah forgot the fool was still tied up in the attic.

  An internal war raged.

  He didn’t want to leave her.

  Cole gripped Noah’s shoulder. “I shall not leave Miss Dunn’s side until she is safely back in Wigmore Street. You have other responsibilities to deal with at present. Trust me to act in your stead.”

  Eva continued to offer words of reassurance until he agreed to accompany the magistrate.

  With some reluctance, Noah left Eva and his colleagues and climbed into Sir Malcolm’s coach. He stared out of the window at the gruesome scene, watched Cole hobbling on his left leg as he walked with Eva and Daventry back through the wrought-iron gate. Eva stopped. She glanced back at the coach and offered a weak smile.

  For the first time in his life, Noah knew what he wanted.

  He wanted to work for the Order, wanted to marry Eva Dunn, lead a full and enriched life. He did not want to be the next Lord Hawkridge. Indeed, he feared nothing would ever be the same again.

  Chapter 20

  “You can’t leave,” Mr Cole said tersely. He gripped the arm of the sofa in Noah’s drawing room and stood. “You’ll not desert him. I’ll not let you go, not until Ashwood returns.”

  “You must sit down, Mr Cole. You need to rest your leg.” Eva crossed the room and forced him back into the seat. “And I’m not deserting him. I must return home to Brownlow Street at some point.” She swallowed in an attempt to hold back the tears. “Now the threat has been dealt with, I’m sure Mr Ashwood will be glad to get back to normality.”

  Except he wouldn’t be Mr Ashwood anymore. He would be Lord Hawkridge, a man of title and responsibility. Such a respectable gentleman would need to marry a lady of excellent breeding. A gentle creature who said the right things and behaved with dignity. Not a woman whose heart ruled her head. Not a woman who wrote novels and made love in the garden. Not a woman who longed to kneel at his feet and take his manhood into her mouth.

  “Besides, it is almost six o’clock in the morning.” She captured Mr Cole’s booted foot and lifted it gently onto the low stool. “After the night we’ve had, we all need sleep.”

  “I’m not a fool, Miss Dunn.”

  “No, but I imagine you know all about sacrifice.”

  “He’s in love with you.”

  Her heart almost burst from her chest. “And I’m in love with him.”

  She was so in love with Noah Ashwood she would not make him choose between her and his position. She would not let him torment himself or be forever plagued by guilt.

  “Then why must you run away?” Mr Cole challenged.

  “You’re his friend. You know his worth. Noah was made for great things.” More important things than passion and pleasure. “With my tainted history, I shall be a stain on his character.”

  “If you think he will let you go, you’re mistaken.”

  Oh, why must Mr Cole make things more difficult? Could he not see that her heart was breaking? Could he not see that she would crumple to the floor at any moment, a blubbering wreck?

  Eva lifted her chin. “He’ll have to marry and sire an heir. And he’s not the sort of man to keep a mistress.” Not that she could make love to a man who had a wife.

  The slam of the front door and the clip of booted footsteps prompted Mr Cole to say, “Ah, let us see what Ashwood has to say about the matter. I’m rather glad I have a seat for this.”

  Eva arched a brow. “If I didn’t know better, I might believe you’re amused.”

  After having a brief conversation with Kenning, Noah strode into the drawing room.

  Eva’s heart lurched.

  Tears threatened to fall.

  “Forgive me. I didn’t realise I would be so long. We’ve been out searching for Gertrude.” He looked exhausted, world-weary. Those magnificent green eyes had lost their confident sparkle. “Lord knows where the woman has gone. If she has any sense, she will be halfway to France by now.” He walked towards the decanters on the side table, stopped abruptly when he noticed her valise on the floor next to the chair. “What the devil’s going on?”

  Before she could form a word, Mr Cole said, “Miss Dunn is of a mind to save you. She is returning home so you may concentrate your efforts on playing the dutiful peer.”

  Eva gritted her teeth and resisted the urge to kick Mr Cole’s injured leg.

  Shock, and something infinitely more disturbing, flashed in Noah’s eyes as he absorbed the information. “You’re leavin
g? You’re returning to Brownlow Street?”

  “I don’t want to be a distraction, not now you have more pressing matters to deal with.” This was not a conversation she wanted to have in the presence of Mr Cole. She was bound to cry. “And Howard is no longer a concern. As soon as Mr Daventry explained that the blade that killed Mr Hemming was meant for my brother, he accepted five thousand pounds and passage on the next ship sailing to Italy.”

  “As Dunn hasn’t committed a crime and is guilty of nothing more than tormenting his sister,” Mr Cole explained, “Daventry and Bower bungled him into the carriage and left for the docks.”

  But Noah didn’t seem remotely interested in her brother’s fate. “You don’t think I would make time for you, Eva?” he said in a low voice. “After my experiences, you don’t think I know what is important?”

  Every bone and muscle in her body throbbed with the need to kiss him, to strip off his clothes, take him into her aching body and never let go.

  “Noah, I’m simply returning home now the threat has passed, as we agreed.”

  “No, you’re leaving because you think I’m to inherit. You think that changes things.”

  “Of course it changes things.”

  Noah shook his head. “Gertrude might be carrying an heir.”

  “I think that is highly unlikely.”

  “Well, yes, particularly after Sir Malcolm spoke to her lady’s maid, but nothing is set in stone.”

  Eva glanced at Mr Cole, who didn’t seem remotely embarrassed that he was party to this conversation.

  “We all need sleep,” she reiterated. “McGuffey will take me back to Brownlow Street, and we can discuss this later.”

  Noah remained silent for a moment, then he crossed the room and came to stand a mere foot away. “You forget, I once looked into a woman’s eyes when she lied and professed all was well. Sometimes, later never comes. And so we will have this out now, madam.” His determined gaze remained fixed on her when he said, “I shall call on you later today, Cole. Won’t you excuse us?”

  Without warning, Noah scooped Eva into his arms and headed for the door.