Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau

by Ginny Hartman

  Both Pierce and Elliot were unusually quite as they rode to a remote piece of land just outside of London, the place where the duel was supposed to take place. Neither of them spoke but both of their thoughts were churning wildly in their heads. Elliot gnawed on his nails betraying the confidence he had tried to exude for Felicity and Hope while Pierce fidgeted in his seat, unable to sit still with his thoughts.

  Finally Pierce spoke, “I pray this turns out well. I really don’t want to have to carry your dead body home to Felicity.” Elliot just looked at him and solemnly nodded without saying a word.

  By the time they arrived at the prearranged location, the sun was just barely beginning to make an appearance in the sky. They could see a carriage and knew that Clinton had already arrived. They alighted from the carriage, Pierce carrying the box containing the pistols, and walked over to where Clinton was standing with his second. It was as if Elliot was looking at the man for the first time, taking in his repugnant appearance entirely for the first time since that fateful day in their youth. As he took his time looking him over he decided he was not impressed. He was shorter than Elliot and much thinner with fine blonde hair that curled in wisps around his ears above a pockmarked face. Elliot’s confidence was instantly bolstered as he sized up the pathetic competition. Turning to inspect his second, he gasped.

  He recognized the man immediately as the man who had assaulted Felicity at the docks, his appearance instantly angering Elliot. He turned to Clinton and fumed, “How do you know this man, were you the one who set up the attack on Felicity?”

  Not even managing to look surprised by the accusation, Clinton casually picked at a sore on his face as he spoke, “Let’s just say that he’s a good friend who on occasion has done some business transactions on my behalf.” Though his answer was vague, it was as good as an admission to Elliot. He refrained from striking out at Clinton though his natural inclination was to do so, instead bottling up his anger to allow it to brew for the upcoming battle.

  Pierce unhinged the box holding the pistols and, still harboring resentment for the pain the weasel had inflicted on him previously, said bitterly, “Tell your second to come inspect the weapons so we can get this over with.” The portly man huffed as he walked over to where Pierce was standing. They each removed a pistol and began inspecting it in silence.

  Elliot remained next to Clinton and asked between clenched teeth, “How do you want this to be fought, till first blood or to the death?”

  “Preferably till your death, I’ve waited a long time to get my revenge on you, for justice to be served. I thought I’d already avenged you once but this time I’ll witness your death with mine own eyes.”

  Elliot looked at him confused, “What do you mean?”

  “I mean,” Clinton seethed, stalking predatorily towards Elliot, “That you were already supposed to be dead. I went to great pains to insure that I eliminated you from my life years ago so imagine my surprise when I see you riding to Felicity’s rescue, it was as if I’d seen a ghost.”

  Elliot was unnerved by what Clinton was saying. He felt his blood simmering in barely contained fury beneath his skin. “You thought you had already killed me?”

  “Of course I thought I had killed you—if I had known you were still alive I would’ve finished the deed ages ago. But I can’t say I was too disappointed when I learned that at least your father was killed in the carriage accident I purposefully caused, your mother was just an added bonus I suppose.”

  Elliot sat staring at him with his mouth agape. He couldn’t comprehend what this vile man was saying. He had never had any reason to believe his parent’s death was the result of anything other than a tragic carriage accident. He had mourned their deaths and at times he missed them terribly, but he had always found comfort in the fact that he truly believed it had been their time to go, but now with Clinton’s admission he wasn’t so sure.

  Clinton laughed at Elliot’s bewildered expression, pleased that he had caught him off guard. “You honestly had no suspicions? I don’t know what pleases me more, the fact that no one suspected any foul play or the fact that I get to be the one who broke the news to you. I had taken great pains to know your whereabouts and quickly learned that you frequented Almack’s on Wednesday evenings. I followed you one week to ensure that you were in attendance, then waited patiently down the road for you to leave. When I saw your carriage depart I began following you home. I admit I was slightly baffled when you headed towards the country instead of towards your house in town but I was too anxious to see you dead I didn’t pause to think about such trivial details. It was I who fired the shot that startled the horses. I didn’t wait to see the final result; I just assumed that it was you in the carriage and that you’d meet your demise. As disappointed as I am to know that it wasn’t you I killed, I am still pleased to know that you’re despicable father received his just rewards, and now is my chance to finish you off.” Clinton smiled evilly before noting, “The look on your face is priceless.”

  Trying to regain a modicum of composure Elliot spat, “You’re a wicked man.” Then his eyes took on a faraway look as he replayed the night of his parents’ death over in his mind. “I remember that night clearly—my mother wasn’t feeling well and so they decided to retire early. They had arrived at Almack’s before I did so their carriage was blocked in. I offered them the use of my carriage so they wouldn’t have to wait for theirs to be moved, knowing it would be much faster. I had no idea that it was my life that was supposed to end that night, none.” He was quite for a moment while he thought about the moment the devastating news had been delivered to him, the moment he learned that both of his parents had died.

  When his thoughts finally drifted back to the present, he looked at Clinton with new eyes, a fresh brand of hatred filling his heart. “I fail to see how you think that any of this is going to improve your life. Murdering innocent people and attempting to ruin Felicity’s life will not make yours any better, why can’t you give it up?” He asked. He would’ve been completely confused by the sheer hatred emanating from Clinton’s being if he didn’t mirror the emotion almost identically.

  “I want revenge,” Clinton screeched. “I want to know that the two people who ruined my life are both as miserable as I am. I’ve wanted you dead since the moment you humiliated and ostracized me when I was only a boy. Felicity ruined the only hope I had of a better life and she’s suffered a portion of her punishment—she got a small taste of what it felt like to have nothing when she was in my care. It was satisfying to see the spoiled lady locked away with nothing to her name, humiliated and treated worse than chattel, but though those years were gratifying, it’s not enough—I want vengeance.”

  Elliot couldn’t have cared less whether Clinton had attempted to kill him or not, or that he had just admitted to killing his parents. The fact that he had ever treated Felicity with such disdain was enough to spur him into action. He lunged for Clinton, grasping onto his jacket and pulling him dangerously close to his face. “What did you to do her?”

  “Nothing she didn’t deserve I assure you.”

  “I’m going to kill you!”

  Clinton threw his head back and laughed a maniacal laugh that sent chills down Elliot’s spine. When he finished his devilish laugh, he looked into Elliot’s eyes and hissed, “I’d like to see you try. I don’t think you have it in you.”

  “I’ve never been tempted to kill another human being before, but I assure you that I’m plenty motivated right now.”

  “Save it fer the duel,” Clinton’s second barked, walking towards the pair after having completed the inspection of the pistols. “Let’s get this dratted thing over with so I can get on with my life. I have business to attend to.”

  “Not so fast,” Pierce said, stepping forward, both pistols clutched tightly in his hands. “I heard Clinton’s admission and I’m sending for the authorities. You’re not dueling this man, he’s going to prison.”

  “He won’t go without a fight, he
wants me dead,” Elliot fumed, anxious to get on with things.

  “He can fight all he wants, but it’s not going to do any good. I’ve unloaded the pistols so we’ll just have to hold him back with our bare hands while my driver goes for the Bow Street Runners. We’re both witnesses to his confession that he killed your parents—his life is over.”

  Clinton’s eyes widened at what Pierce was saying. He made a split second decision to turn on his heel and attempt to run away. Luckily Elliot was alert, his body ready to spring into action as he lunged forward and tackled Clinton to the ground. He immediately felt a large thud on his back as Clinton’s second jumped on his back to try and thwart him from capturing his friend. Elliot was sandwiched between the two vile men but he refused to give up his hold on Clinton, despite the fact that his breath was getting forced out of his lungs.

  Pierce watched the men in action and didn’t hesitate to come to Elliot’s aide. He quickly discarded one of the pistols on the ground and reached for the fleshy bulk of a man that was on top of the pile. He yanked him off by his collar, catching him off guard. He rolled the man onto his back on the ground and straddled his hulking form with his long, muscular legs. He cocked the remaining pistol in his hand and held it to the man’s head.

  Laughing mockingly the man said, “I’m not scared of no empty pistol. Ye said yerself that ye unloaded it.”

  Pierce smashed the barrel of the pistol forcefully into the man’s temple, “I wasn’t foolish enough to unload both of them and leave myself unprotected against a self proclaimed murderer. Did you really think I was that stupid?”

  The man’s eyes widened in horror. Leaving the pistol in place, Pierce turned to check on Elliot. He was struggling to keep Clinton pinned down securely, but Pierce watched amusedly as Elliot inflicted a crushing blow to the side of his head that stilled Clinton instantly and made him easier to manage.

  “Think you can hold him down till help arrives?” Pierce asked.

  “He shouldn’t give me much more trouble, but if he does I’ll hit him again.”

  Pierce smiled, “You’ve gotten physical in your old age—first Lord Wadsworth and now him.”

  “They both deserved it.”

  “I can’t say that I disagree. Just hold on tight and I’m sure that the authorities will be here soon. I sent my driver after them as soon as I heard Clinton’s admission.”

  Elliot sighed in relief, grateful that Pierce had taken charge; he no longer had the desire or mental strength to deal with the current dilemma, though the adrenaline and anger brewing inside of him allowed him the physical strength he needed to keep Clinton securely pinned to the ground. He had come today to fight for Felicity’s honor, to ensure that her life would be safe from her cousin’s threats, but instead he was leaving a guilt ridden man, full of regrets, not sure he could ever forgive himself for the all the consequences his actions had inflicted.

  Elliot was surprised as he held Clinton down, staring into his revolting face. Instead of being consumed with an overwhelming urge to kill the despicable man lying beneath him, he was filled with emptiness and sorrow. The unexpected loss of his parents was hitting him all over again, knowing that if it hadn’t been for this vile man he wouldn’t be an orphan, he’d still have his family. But the predominate emotion that was consuming him now that the hatred was being to ebb was guilt—he saw clearly how his selfish decision to take something that didn’t rightfully belong to him that night with Felicity in the cottage had destroyed not only their lives, but many others as well, including the lives of his own parents. The fight and determination he had felt earlier left him, leaving him feeling leaden and remorse.

  He felt like a man who had been completely defeated and barely registered Pierce asking after him. He turned his head towards Pierce without emotion, feeling as if he was in a dream, a bad dream that he couldn’t wake up from.

  Chapter 21

  Hope, Felicity, Edith, and Aunt Agatha all sat around the dinner table in silence. Edith was the only person who ate; the others just sat quietly pushing their food around their plates. Their concern for Pierce and Elliot heightened with every passing hour. They hadn’t expected them to be gone so long and were sure the lateness of the day couldn’t bode well for them but no one dared voice the sentiment.

  All eyes looked up as they heard a noise and turned to watch Pierce walk into the room, exhaustion marring his face. Felicity held her breath in anticipation, waiting for Elliot to follow behind him. When it became evident that Pierce was alone her heart sank. She searched his face, trying to decipher what it could mean. Everyone waited in anticipation for Pierce to speak, Felicity could feel her heart pounding in her chest and she thought she might swoon.

  Hope rose from her chair and flung herself into her husband’s arms, overcome with relief at the sight of him alive and well. Pierce kissed the top of her head then looked across the room at Felicity, their gazes locking. “I’m sorry Felicity, Elliot isn’t—“

  “No!” Felicity screamed, one hand going up to cover her mouth. Her breathing was coming in short spurts, her vision blurring.

  Pierce pulled away from Hope and walked over to Felicity, placing one hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. “He’s not dead Felicity, there wasn’t a duel.”

  Her eyes widened as she looked up at him, “There wasn’t? Then where is he?”

  “He went home, he needed some time alone.”

  Felicity felt hurt by his admission. Why hadn’t Elliot come to her? She’d been waiting eagerly all day to see him and to know that he was okay. Knowing he hadn’t even bothered coming to see her himself left her disappointed and upset.

  Pierce walked Hope back to her chair and waited for her to take her seat before sitting in the empty chair next to her. He folded one leg over the other and casually leaned back in the chair, “He didn’t get hurt, physically at least, but he learned some things today that have hurt him in other ways.”

  Felicity’s voice was shaking as she asked, “What happened?”

  Before he answered her question, Pierce turned to Aunt Agatha, “Would you mind taking the little one to the nursery for a bit so I can talk to Felicity?”

  “Of course not.” Aunt Agatha scooted back from the table and helped Edith down from her chair. She walked the child over to give her mother a kiss before taking her quietly out of the room.

  Once they were gone, Pierce resumed his story. “Before the duel even started Clinton confessed to having killed Elliot’s parents.”

  “No! I thought they were killed in a carriage accident.”

  “They were, but apparently Clinton was the one who spooked the horses to purposely cause the accident.”

  “Poor Elliot,” Hope interjected.

  Pierce continued, “The worst part was that it was supposed to have been Elliot in that carriage. Clinton had been plotting to kill him for some time and when he saw Elliot’s carriage leaving Almack’s one night he just assumed he was in it. He startled the horses to ensure the accident but never knew that it was really Elliot’s parents inside, not him. At least he didn’t know until Elliot showed up to rescue you from his clutches.”

  Felicity rose abruptly, “So he’s blaming himself for their death? I need to go see him, I had no idea. I knew Clinton was evil but I never imagined he’d do something so horrendous. What happened to Clinton, where is he?”

  “The Bow Street Runners came and arrested him. With any luck he’ll be spending a long and lonely life in Newgate Prison. As for Elliot, I’m not sure he’s up for company right now, he was in a bad way when I left him.” Pierce informed her.

  Felicity was grateful to hear that Clinton would no longer be attempting to ruin her life, but she still felt an ache in her heart caused by Elliot refusing to come to her that overrode any relief she might feel. “I don’t care if he feels up to seeing me or not. I’ve spent too many years of my life being apart from him and I’m not going to waste another moment of my life without him. Can I borrow your carriage?�
��

  “Of course,” Hope answered for her, knowing herself how desperately Felicity needed to see Elliot to make sure he was okay. Felicity thanked them then quickly left to kiss Edith goodnight and explain to Aunt Agatha where she would be going.

  The carriage ride to Elliot’s was not nearly long enough to calm her churning emotions. She was still unprepared for what she would say to help ease his heartache when the carriage finally rolled to a stop before his townhouse. She had to admit to a curiosity about his home, having never before had occasion to visit. It wasn’t proper for a young lady to show up at a gentleman’s house alone, but she felt like her and Elliot were well past proprieties; she no longer had a reputation to uphold.

  It didn’t take long for Elliot’s butler Percival to answer the door. “How can I help you miss?”

  “I need to speak to Elliot at once, tell him Felicity is here to see him.”

  The butler nodded solemnly before escorting her into the entryway. “Wait here for just a moment please.”

  Felicity did as she was told, taking the opportunity to gaze at her surroundings. The house was predominantly decorated in dark jewel tones with rich mahogany paneling. It had a distinctive masculine feel that encompassed Elliot’s personality fully.

  Felicity’s thoughts jerked back to the hallway when she heard a pair of footsteps coming towards her. She looked up and her eyes met Elliot’s, his face one of sorrow. He looked haggard and weary—his clothes were wrinkled and his hair mused. She ran to him and flung herself into his arms, noticing the smell of alcohol on him. “Oh Elliot, I’m so sorry.”

  He surprised her by pushing her away and saying, “For what?”

  “I heard about your parents, about what Clinton had planned to do to you. Pierce told us what happened today and I had to come see how you were doing.”

  He waived his hand in front of his face casually, trying to affect an air of nonchalance, “There’s nothing to concern yourself with.”