“She wouldn’t have been a virgin.”
“No, but the very torture and murder…amongst other things…would have gained them favor if they were denied their ultimate sacrifice.”
“This is too horrific to be believable.” Josie shuddered. “Yet I believe you speak the truth.”
“Thank you for sharing that information,” Marcus stated.
She shook her head. “You know just enough to understand he’s not a man to be trifled with. He serves an evil power and is under the authority of the Black Diamond. Wolton’s master will not go out of his way to protect him, though. He’d sacrifice him if he ever believed his identity was about to be exposed.”
“I’m concerned you’ll be attacked again.” Phillip stood and paced.
“I have no doubt they will make an attempt to take me from you, Phillip. They will never be satisfied with merely killing me.”
“How could your father be party to any of this?” Josie asked.
“He’s a mere puppet. Wolton is pulling his strings. I suspect Wolton is also responsible for my mother’s death. My father was never the same after she died.”
“I’m sorry you experienced that,” Phillip said.
“Me, too.”
“It will be difficult to get the Ministry of Defense at Whitehall to put more agents on this case to expose the secret society.”
“Are you suggesting that leaves it up to us?” Phillip groaned. “I refuse to be party to setting a trap to expose them. I will not risk my wife and child.”
Beth reached a hand out to him.
He strode over to her and held it before sitting next to her.
“Phillip, I’ve been marked for death. They will continue to pursue me until they have accomplished their goal. Once they’ve done that you will be next. Springing a trap might be a good idea. We can be prepared for them. It is not without risk, but we are in more danger by pretending that nothing bad could happen and going on our merry way.”
Phillip let out a sigh. “We need Neville here along with Theodore and Michael to lend some wisdom.”
“I’ve sent a message summoning them here. I will also get a letter to Jared to apprise him of what we know. He can pass it on to Wellesley.”
“So now we wait?” Josie asked.
“We wait, but we will not be sitting ducks. We can lay low and release word you are still insensible, a story our staff has spread to the village. Word might reach Wolton and he will relax and bide his time until he’s able to attack again. That gives us time to plan.” Marcus squeezed Josie’s hand.
She returned the squeeze with a smile. “And we will pray and ‘take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’”
Josie bent her head and the group followed suit.
Marcus prayed, “Lord, You know the enemy that threatens our friends and we recognize that You are a greater power than the evil they represent. Guide and protect us all as we seek a way to make it through this trial. Thank You for bringing back Beth and helping her recover her health. Continue to be at work on our behalf to protect our friends and our nation. We are unable to do any of this without Your holy power at work in and through us.”
A holy silence hung in the air as eyes opened and the fire crackled.
Peace settled over Beth’s soul along with the freedom from the weight of the horror she’d carried within her for so long. God was in control. He’d blessed her with friends and a husband who would stand by her side for the battle ahead. She smoothed down her dress. “I’m fatigued. Would you excuse us?”
“Us?” Phillip asked.
“You are joining me, aren’t you?”
“I thought I was being overly protective…”
She grinned. “You were, but tonight, I desire time with my husband. Alone.” She gave him a wink their hosts couldn’t catch.
Phillip’s eyes brightened. He stood and assisted Beth to her feet. “We’ll see you in the morning. We can strategize more at that time.”
Beth grinned as she hooked her arm through Phillip’s. “Thank you for a lovely evening. I’m sorry I had to spoil it with such terrible memories.”
“Rest well,” Marcus and Josie both chorused.
Once in the hallway, Phillip leaned toward Beth. “Are you really tired?”
“Of being in company. And being coddled. And revisiting the past. Tonight, I want to give my husband the welcome he deserved had I been prudent and stayed home.”
“But of course, ma’am. Anything my lady desires.” They reached the top of the stairs.
“Anything?” she teased.
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her down the hall. “Within reason. You are still recovering.”
Once behind the closed and locked door to their bedroom, Beth slid to the floor and reached up to pull her husband’s face to hers. “I’ve missed this.” Their lips met and she was grateful once again, for a love that wiped away the shame of the past and gave her joy in ways she’d never imagined. There were no nightmares to bother her that night.
12
Lord Wolton sat alone in the dark study of his worn-down house. He turned over the green fabric in his hand, delivered to him as a gift from the Black Diamond. He held the material to his nose and sniffed. It smelled of her. He rubbed the cloth against his cheek. She will pay. He grinned. If the Black Diamond could track her down, he’d find her as well. He realized that sending the fabric was a way to show his superiority to Wolton, but Wolton assumed something was up when Lord Westcombe hastily departed town.
Too bad they hadn’t been in residence when that fire started. Lord Westcombe was too crafty, but Wolton was a genius. He’d show who was superior. Westcombe might have Lizzy for now but she was ultimately Wolton’s and he would possess her.
His tongue licked the fabric seeped in her blood. He could taste victory. It was within reach. He’d lull them into a false sense of security before he struck his final fatal blow. He couldn’t take too much time as investigations were getting uncomfortably close. His lord was able to keep things hidden from the unsuspecting. The innocent and naïve would never uncover his secrets. Even if Lizzy did share, no one would believe her.
For now, he would pretend he was resigned to Lizzy’s marriage and losing her to Westcombe. She would still be his in due time. He would make an offering. Another woman could suffice but Wolton could not and would not let Lizzy go. She was his. She would be his. Victory would be all the sweeter for the struggle to get there.
And he had no doubt she would struggle. The thought made him giddy. He would finish the task he set for himself—or die trying. He had no fear he might fail.
Holding the green cloth to the light of the window, he was assured of victory. She would be terrified and the thought of that excited him. He would delight in every scream of terror. His success would assure his climb to the top of the Society. Napoleon would reward him. He had wealth. What he longed for was power. He’d uncover the Black Diamond and become greater than him. He would establish himself as lord over England and fear and terror would reign to his great delight.
Oh, his fondest dream. He placed the green fabric on the table and smoothed it in front of him.
What should he do about Lord Follett? The man was tiresome in his doom and gloom whimpering. He’d outlived his usefulness. He’d keep him for now. Follett might be the one weakness that could bring Lizzy back into Wolton’s waiting arms. A smile spread across his face. He would let her recover. Allow Lord and Mrs. Westcombe to believe he had given up. He’d strike when they least expected it. Perhaps he could make his move at the height of the little season when everyone returned from the sweltering heat of summer in the country.
What if Lizzy were with child?
He leaned back in his chair imagining her large and the perverse delight he’d take in torturing her and her pristine knight errant. Oh, yes. Victory would be sweet. He folded the green cloth and placed it in his inner breast pocket
, right over his heart. He rose and closed the curtains and resigned himself to wait.
~*~
Sir Michael Tidley stared out the window of his coach as he headed to another ball. How many women would be victims of the despicable Black Diamond and his minions? Marcus had no clue that his sister Henrietta had been spared that fate due to the quick thinking of her husband, Lord Percy. And while Lord Remington was mildly aware of the Diamond’s part in Bastion’s attack, he had no clue the depths to which his depravity went.
Now Phillip’s bride had been attacked and Michael had no doubt the Black Diamond was behind all of this again. Captain Jared Allendale, Marcus’s brother and aide-de-camp to Sir Wellesley, was the only one who really understood the work Michael did and the threat to England these ne’er-do-wells presented.
Something about the Black Diamond haunted Michael. Attacks on people close to him made him question the identity of this elusive villain. Would they ever discover who he was and be able to stop him? If he really was a member of the aristocracy, the task was more difficult. One couldn’t simply kill a member of the titled elite without repercussions. And punishment for titled lords was often tepid. It was becoming more difficult for Michael to keep his knowledge of the world within which he worked from his dearest friends. He’d do anything to ensure that Phillip and his bride got the happiness they so deserved. It’d never be a part of his own future but that didn’t mean he couldn’t help someone else.
He sighed as they pulled up to the Harrington ball. As a baseborn brat who only inherited a title through service to the king, he possessed a healthy income due to the reluctant generosity of his deceased grandfather. Michael understood his presence was tolerated as long as he was handsome, charming, and didn’t cross a line with the debutantes. He wasn’t sought after for more than that, which was fine with him. His place in the world was to make it safe for those he mingled amongst. It would likely be someone like Wolton or the Black Diamond who put a period to his own existence. He’d do the best he could to preserve the monarchy until that date came.
He handed his hat and cane to the butler and stood in the que to meet the host and hostess of this event as well as their newly presented daughter, the estimable Lady Eustace Harrington. He cringed as he viewed her. Probably wouldn’t be a victim of the evil stalking London as they often sought more attractive targets. Once through the line he stepped into the ballroom and found Lord Harrow already present.
“Sir Michael, well met.” Theodore puffed out his barrel-like chest.
“Will you be departing to Rose Hill?” Michael whispered.
The orchestra was beginning to play and one of the violins was out of tune, the screeching causing Michael to wince in pain.
“Aye, via carriage. Will you be joining me?”
“I’ll likely go on horseback.”
“Shady business with the attack on Beth.”
“Shhhh.”
“Oh, yes. Of course. Pardon me. Have you news of Follett or Wolton?”
Michael frowned and shook his head. “They’ve slunk back into whatever hole they came from. At least, for now. Don’t be lulled into thinking they won’t return.”
“So why the summons to Rose Hill?”
“Guess we’ll find the answers to that after our arrival.”
“Don’t mind visiting there. Remy’s chef is one of the best.”
Michael glanced at his friend’s tight waistcoat. “You could do with a bit more exercises on horseback, my friend.”
Theo grinned. “I can still hold my own if necessary.”
“Good to know.”
The substantial lord blanched. “You don’t think we’ll end up in a fight like we did to rescue Josie, do you?”
“You acquitted yourself well, there Theo. Just be alert to danger.”
Theo sighed. “I don’t know why I even come to these things. I’ve not found a woman who suits me yet.”
“Do you ever wonder if you will someday encounter a woman who will cause you to willingly risk everything for her safety and happiness? It happened to Marcus and now Phillip. Do you anticipate falling into Cupid’s lure?”
“I would hope we would both fall in love someday, Michael. I don’t think either of us should settle for anything less than a woman for whom we would risk it all. Why enter the parson’s mousetrap otherwise?”
“You’re not cutting a swath through the town with the ladies. What have you to give up, Theo? Marcus longed for a ‘home’ and family and he got it with Josie. Phillip didn’t want anything to upset his tidy life and Elizabeth came along—now look at him. What would love look like for you?”
“I would expect love might fill the loneliness that creeps in even at balls like this. Don’t you ever wish you had someone to come home to? To sleep with every night in your home instead of sneaking out at dawn like a common criminal? Someone to buy pretty things for. To dance with. To look across a crowded room and share a private joke.” Theo sounded wistful.
Michael’s mouth hung agape.
“What? What did I say that has you looking like a cod starved for air?”
“First of all, I never sneak out like a common criminal. A mistress could give you almost everything you’ve mentioned. It seems that taking a wife like Marcus and Phillip have done can be a messy business. When your turn comes, focus on dancing with a girl, falling madly in love, and marrying her in three weeks after the banns are called. Have a nice reception and go to your estate for your happily-ever-after, filling the rooms with children and returning to the beau monde and the season whenever the mood strikes.”
“I’m not ready for that. Not yet. You are correct. Marcus and Phillip had a fatiguing journey on their way to love and marriage.”
“You don’t hear them complaining, do you?” Michael joked and patted his friend on the shoulder. “Give it time, Theo. You’re one of the good guys. Any woman here would be fortunate to have you as her husband.”
“I’m not as attractive as some of the men…”
“You are a well-enough looking man with the kind of character that any father would be proud to entrust his daughter to. As for me, it shall never be my lot in life. A pointless endeavor. I don’t begrudge Marcus and Phillip their marriages, though.”
“Until it’s my turn, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure their happiness while awaiting mine in due time.”
“Even though marriage isn’t in my future, I stand with you in that pledge to protect theirs.”
Theo yawned. “Long day hanging out at the clubs. Perhaps I’ll leave after a few dances and head home to sleep.”
“Might not be a bad idea, my friend. I doubt I’ll stay around long either. I’ll see you at Rose Hill.”
“Safe travels, Michael.”
“To you as well, Theo.” Sir Tidley strode to the crowd to a woman often overlooked by the Corinthians on the strut. “Miss Sumpter, may I request your hand for the first dance?”
The young woman squinted at him, her pimply face turning red in appreciation of his singling her out. “Sir Tidley. Yes. Thank you.” The band struck up the song in the already overcrowded and stuffy room as Michael led the young woman to the floor. At least for a few minutes, he would be someone’s hero for the evening. He set himself out to be charming to the young woman as the steps of the dance would allow.
Tomorrow could not come soon enough.
When he escorted his partner back to her parents, he was accosted by Lady Orion.
“Sir Tidley. Walk with me, will you?”
“As you wish, my lady.” He offered her his arm and they began a slow course around the ballroom.
“I wanted to inquire after your friend, Lord Westcombe.”
“You want me to gossip about him and his lovely bride?”
She nodded with a prim smile of satisfaction. “You know me too well, Sir Tidley. Will you accommodate me?”
Michael smiled. What better way to help his friend than to boost the reputation of him and his bride amongst the bea
u monde? “They are in the country right now. I do not know when I have ever seen a more besotted and devoted husband than him.”
“It truly was a love-match then?”
“You doubted it? Lord Westcombe was not of a mind to marry until he met Miss Follett. She was everything he didn’t know he needed in his life.”
She sighed and her free hand waved a fan in front of her face. “Oh, my romantic heart rejoices. That poor girl had an unfortunate father and what he was thinking to try to marry her off to that decrepit Wolton, well, I’d give him a piece of my mind were I to have the opportunity. A despicable business. I’m happy to hear it turned out well for them.”
“I suspect they will return to town at some point in time.”
“Oh, let them have their love for now. No need to parade it in front of society. Tell Lord Westcombe I am exceedingly proud of him.”
Michael’s eyebrows rose. “Why would that be, my lady?”
“I told him he would do. I suspected love was in the air from the start even though he was tight-lipped about it. To ensure her reputation, I’m certain.”
“I will pass along the word to him.”
“Don’t be a stranger, young man.”
“And why would you want me dancing attendance on you, Lady Orion?”
“An older woman can’t enjoy the company of a scamp now and then? You are vastly entertaining when you set your mind to it, Sir Michael.”
He grinned. “I’m glad to be of service m’lady.”
“Return me to my seat now and find another young woman to dance with. You are delicious to watch on the floor. Thank you for our little tête–à–tête.”
Heat rose in his cheeks as he helped her to her seat and placed a kiss about her hand before releasing it. “Your servant.”
After a few more dances he finally left for home.
~*~
Lord Manchester had forgone his traditional visit to his countryside estate. He chose instead to stay in town, manage his investments and continue to seek a match for Penelope. She’d had a few suitors but none looked promising. Likely due to the precipitous and foolish marriage of Phillip’s. He determined that a steady presence in town would settle the gossip. Perhaps come fall, Penelope would fare better during the little season. That was months away. They still needed to finish this one with their heads held high. His wife bore the brunt of the strain of that endeavor.
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