Too Hot For A Rake

by Pearl Wolf

  He raced up to the first cellar, taking care to avoid the rotted steps, but the door was locked. He put his shoulder to it, but he was too weak to budge the door. He bent to peer through the keyhole where a glimmer of light revealed shelves neatly stocked with jars of food. He allowed himself a grim smile. Cook and her staff had lost no time in filling the new shelves Helena had ordered. The sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach would not go away. Was his darling safe? Perhaps someone had already rescued her. If that was so, why did they lock the door again? Something felt wrong.

  He made his way back down the steps and found a shred of Helena’s petticoat clinging to one of them. The feeling of dread continued to clutch at his heart as he hurried back out the way he came, but the rising tide slowed him down.

  Casper was waiting for him. “You look a sight, milord. Where’s milady?”

  “She’s gone, Casper. I don’t know where.” Waverley was grateful to see Casper holding the reins of two horses in one hand, Waverley’s coat and boots in the other. “Let me have those boots, Casper. My feet are bloodied and raw.”

  “Brought you some dry clothes, milord. A mite big, ’cause they’re mine. Dry yourself with this cloth. It’s clean if a bit ragged. I carry it with me to wipe my horse down.”

  Waverley managed a grin. “Give it here, you prince of a fellow, and thanks. I’m soaked to the skin.” He stripped bare, dried himself and put on Casper’s clothes, grateful for their warmth. When his boots were on, he mounted.

  “What’s happening? Have you any idea where Lady Helena might be?”

  “No, milord. I’m afraid the news isn’t good. The castle’s under siege by the worst lookin’ bunch o’ goons I ever seen. What’s more, they’re armed. Milady must be inside still, for Lemuel hasn’t seen any sign of her. He and some of our men are hiding in the woods just outside the front steps of the castle. I’ve left others watching the kitchen door.”

  Helena fought back tears as the maids dressed her, but she kept her word and didn’t struggle. Belinda combed the tangles from her hair, nearly scalping her in the process, yet Helena refused to cry out. That would give the revengeful maid far too much satisfaction. Mrs. Trasker had chosen one of Helena’s ball gowns, the pale blue moiré silk etched with tiny seed pearls.

  When the maids helped her into the gown, Mrs. Trasker held up a heavy blue velvet cape lined with sable. “That won’t be necessary, Mrs. Trasker. It’s May. The weather’s too warm for fur.”

  “The earl ’specially sent this here cloak for you to wear. He said the sea air can be quite chilly. You should thank yer stars you’re marryin’ such a thoughtful gent, to my way o’ thinking.”

  Helena bit back her tears. She would not let them gloat over the terror she felt. Instead, she forced herself to say, “His lordship is too kind.”

  Mrs. Trasker examined her prisoner critically. “You’ll do, I suppose. Still can’t unnerstand why the earl chose you for his lady. Let’s go.” She held the door open for Helena while Belinda and the others surrounded her. There was no possibility of escape.

  “But the dowager! You promised to let me say good-bye to her,” Helena cried as the maids dragged her toward the grand staircase.

  “I lied.” Mrs. Trasker flung the words over her shoulder as she led the way.

  Helena screamed as loud as she could.

  “Save yer breath. Won’t do you a bit o’ good ’cause there’s nary a one to hear you. I gave all the new servants you hired a half-day holiday in honor of your wedding. We locked Mrs. Hubley in with the dowager, but we couldn’t find Cook and her nieces. They’re hidin’ somewheres, but no matter. We’ll get them later. Help her keep that cloak on her shoulders, girls. Be sure to fasten it tight so she can’t wriggle out of it.”

  When she was satisfied, Mrs. Trasker opened the door and stepped aside. “Farewell, milady. Pleasure to know you.”

  Keller and Winkle, Mrs. Trasker’s ruffians, dressed in full livery, each took one arm and lifted Helena, intending to carry her down the steps to the earl, who waited at the door of his carriage.

  “Put me down, you traitors! I can very well walk without your help,” she hissed.

  They hesitated but stepped back at a signal from the earl. “Good evening, ma’am,” he greeted affably. “You look a far sight lovelier than when I first discovered you rooting around that nasty old cellar.”

  Helena clenched her fists inside the cape. “So. You resort to abduction. Do as you will, but I won’t marry you, Glynhaven. It’s Waverley I love. Not you.”

  The earl turned mean at the sound of the hated name on her lips. “Oh, you’ll marry me all right, my dear. The captain will do the honors once we’re under sail. We’re going to France, you see. Lord Saltash—you remember Lord Saltash, don’t you? He’s invited us to stay at his chateau for our honeymoon. He and his friends—you remember his charming friends? Of course, you do. You met them at my ball. They have all sorts of delightful entertainments planned for us. Have you ever participated in an orgy? No, of course not. A well-bred lady like you would never resort to such forbidden fruits. Harry tells me you are a lusty wench. He informs me that you’re no longer a virgin, thanks to the marquis. I regret I wasn’t the one to deflower you, but not enough to give you back to my enemy. I promise you that Waverley will never have you again. After I get through with you, my dear, he may never even want you.”

  Stall for time. Keep him talking. “The marquis will come after you. I’m sure he’ll find me and then what will you do?”

  Glynhaven laughed, but there was no joy in his eyes. “I think not, my bride. Never mind him. You’ll learn to like our particular games. Don’t worry your pretty little head too much. Your bruises will heal quickly, I promise.”

  “It doesn’t bother you, my lord, that I despise you and I always will? We Fairchild women have tempers, sir. Best take care once we are married. I’d advise you to stay awake lest I scratch your eyes out.”

  The earl laughed maliciously. “Fairchild women must be lusty creatures, then. What good news. Be as wild as you like, my dear. I look forward to bedding Waverley’s whore.”

  “So it’s revenge you yearn for. Too bad you’ll suffer disappointment. Or won’t it trouble you that when you bed me, I shall think only of Waverley’s caresses? And what of his child growing within me? Won’t it be lovely to see him inherit your title and all your worldly goods?”

  Glynhaven turned pale. He slapped her face hard enough to leave a mark. “So you’re carrying his bastard, are you? If it’s a boy, he won’t live to inherit, I assure you. If it’s a girl, someone else will raise her. I’ll see to it. If you persist in disobeying me, milady, once I take a whip to you, you’ll change your mind quickly enough.” He turned at the sound of horses’ hooves, a look of surprise on his face.

  When the marquis and Casper reached the men hiding in the woods near the front entrance, Casper asked, “What’s to do, Lem?”

  “The Earl of Glynhaven’s carriage is out front. There are men with guns protectin’ him. Best be careful and make your way through the back woods. You can enter through the kitchen door. Tom Wells is guardin’ the door there with his lads.”

  “Lady Helena? Have you seen her?” the marquis asked.

  “Not hide nor hair. She may still be inside, I’ll wager, for she can’t have stepped a foot outside without our notice. My guess? The earl’s fixin’ to abduct her, but he won’t be goin’ anywhere, or my name ain’t Lemuel. I promise you that.”

  The marquis and Casper nodded farewell and made their way through the woods to the kitchen. There they met Tom and a group of burly young farmers holding rakes and pitchforks for weapons, all too eager for the excitement of battle.

  “Go in through the kitchen, but go quietly. Cook is in there,” whispered Tom.

  When Sebastian received the marquis’ letter, he and Olivia made haste to leave London that same day. They left their baby with the duke and duchess, claiming they had urgent government business elsewhere. They also e
nlisted the aid of four trained men from the home office and took off on horseback at breakneck speed for Land’s End, stopping only long enough to change horses, dine hastily and sleep a mere few hours before starting out again. Thus they reached Land’s End in record time.

  As they neared their destination, Olivia set her worries about her sister Helena aside to admire the change in their surroundings. The trees had given way to the open sea. The wind kicked up blustery gusts, bringing with it the sharp tang of the sea as seagulls screeched their discordant songs.

  “You’re frowning, Livy. Don’t worry so, my love.”

  “I can’t help it, Sebastian. I’m making an effort, though. Trying to admire the scenery, as it were.”

  They came to a fork where one branch of the road stopped at the cliffs of Land’s End and the second branch continued toward the fishing village of Sennen Cove. Sebastian examined the map he had procured from ordinance at the home office. “We must take the road on the right.”

  Sebastian gave orders to two of the men to reconnoiter on ahead and report back. The rest turned their horses and were soon treated with their first glimpse of Waverley Castle. It rose above the cliffs, ancient but proud. As they spurred their horses on, Olivia said a silent prayer for her sister’s safety.

  Chapter 23

  Dusk…

  Waverley and Casper took a circuitous route through the woods. To their relief, no armed enemies were in sight. Instead, Tom Wells and his men were hidden near the stables, within sight of the kitchen.

  “No enemies here, your lordship.” He said the words with regret, clearly itching for action.

  “Is it safe to enter the castle through the kitchen?” Casper asked.

  Tom nodded. “Best be careful inside, though. Can’t say what you’ll find.”

  “We’re prepared, Tom, thanks to Casper.” Waverley pulled the two pistols Casper had provided from his leather saddlebag, dismounted and threw the reins to Tom.

  Tom grinned at the sight of the weapons. “If we hear shots, we’ll come running right quick.”

  “Best take care, hear?” said Casper.

  Waverley and Casper, guns at the ready, stole cautiously across the road and crouched under a small window. Casper raised his eyes above the sill to investigate. He turned and said, “Emma’s peekin’ out of the pantry. Cook’s there, too, sir. She’d never leave her ladyship alone.” Casper entered first, followed by the marquis.

  “Casper!” gasped Emma. She curtseyed to Waverley. “Milord. Thank heaven you’ve come.”

  Cook began to sob. Casper shot a questioning look at Emma.

  In a breath taken without pause, Emma blurted out, “Milady’s bein’ ’ducted. I heard Harry boastin’ to one of the footmen, the brute.”

  “What of my grandmother?”

  “Safe, milord. Trudy and Nurse Hubley were locked in with milady, and Cook and I hid down here when those lyin’ Traskers sent everyone else away.”

  Waverley managed a thin smile. “Thank you for your loyalty. What else did Harry say, lass? Do you recall?”

  “He bragged that he and his ma were finally rid of Lady Helena. He said the Earl of Glynhaven took her off to wed her, and good riddance, he said, and…”

  “Stay here and hide yourselves. We’ll find her,” the marquis said grimly. “Come on, Casper.” He turned and crossed the kitchen into the entry hall leading upstairs to the grand hallway. To his astonishment, Mrs. Trasker and her son, their backs to them, were standing in front of the open front doors.

  Waverley crept up and hid behind one door, motioning Casper behind the other. They waited until mother and son turned to come back inside. In one motion, they slammed both doors shut and aimed their weapons, overwhelming the astonished pair.

  Casper said quietly, “Move a muscle and you’re dead.”

  “Where has the earl taken my lady? Answer me, you witch!”

  Harry took a menacing step toward the marquis, but he stopped when he saw his pistol. “You’re surrounded, milord,” he blustered. “You’ll never get out of here alive. And besides, My Lord promised me I’m to be marquis soon’s you’re dead.”

  “Shut it, Harry,” warned his mother. She changed her tune to civility. “Nothing out of place here, milord. Lady Fairchild’s agreed to wed the Earl of Glynhaven is all. We were just seein’ ’em off.”

  “Where have they gone? Answer me, or else.” Casper waved his pistol at Harry.

  “Lord Glynhaven’s ship is anchored in Sennen Cove, waitin’ to take ’em to France. They’re to be wed by the cap’n onboard.”

  When the scouts returned, one of them reported to the group that a coach was swiftly bearing down on them. “There appear to be two people, a man and a woman, within the coach. Two postillions are leading, two more riding alongside the coach, two outriders holding on in back, a coachman and an armed gunman sitting next to him.”

  “Good work, Samuel,” said Sebastian. “We’ll ambush them from that bend in the road. You two take the postillions riding alongside. You two remove the outriders in back. Take their places as if nothing is amiss. Leave the coachman and the gunman up front to us.”

  “What about the two leading postillions?”

  “We will do this with precision and stealth. They won’t hear a thing until it is too late, Samuel. Take your positions on both sides of the road and watch me. When my fist goes up, we attack. Ready? Good. Take your places.” Sebastian took his wife’s hand and led her into hiding behind a bramble.

  The small group did not have long to wait before the coach appeared. Sebastian let the lead postillions pass and raised his fist. The postillions on either side of the coach were swiftly overcome. Sebastian’s men stripped the postillions and donned their coats and caps and took their places, leaving the unconscious men in a ditch on the side of the road. At the same time, his other two men disabled the outriders holding on to the back of the coach and did the same, while Olivia and Sebastian swung over them to the top.

  Sebastian pointed to the gunman and nodded to his wife. He was her prey while the coachman was his. She nodded assent, lay flat on her stomach and waited for her husband’s signal to attack. When he was sure the others were in control, he crooked a finger, motioned forward and Olivia launched herself on the gunman. A simple chop to his neck with the side of her hand sent him forward. She had to hold the unconscious man until Samuel took him down. But not before she had his long-barreled gun trained on the lead postillions. The entire operation took less than ten minutes, all in silence.

  Reins comfortably in hand, Sebastian drew the coach to a halt while Samuel and the others overcame the lead postillions.

  “What is this? Why have we stopped? Drive on, I say. We must reach my ship to set sail before the tide turns,” shouted the earl from his rolled-down window.

  “Good afternoon, Glynhaven,” said Sebastian as he wrenched open the earl’s door, nearly causing him to topple out.

  “Hi, sister,” shouted Olivia as she opened the other door. “Going somewhere?”

  “Livy!” Helena flung herself into her sister’s arms until they both fell in a heap, laughing, sobbing and rolling in the dirt, yet never letting go.

  Frantic, Waverley ran down the steps as if he meant to run all the way to the beach, an impossible task. He was halfway up the drive when he was met with a sight he would never forget as long as he lived.

  Sebastian Brooks led the bizarre procession, Olivia at his side and Waverley’s beloved Helena mounted behind her sister. They were at the head of Glynhaven’s carriage, surrounded on all sides by the hastily assembled farmers, a ragtag army led by Lemuel, a mob of young lads, like knights of old, holding pitchforks, long-handled hoes and hastily fashioned clubs as though they were spears and maces, while others similarly armed followed the carriage, prodding the earl’s goons ahead of them, all tied securely with strong hemp.

  Waverley didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry at this preposterous scene. He raced toward Helena, who fell into his outstretched
arms. He covered her face with kisses. “Helena, my beautiful black-haired raven. I thought I’d lost you.”

  “No, my lord. I’m here.”

  The colorful parade made its haphazard way back to the castle, but all was not well. On the steps of the front door, Casper held Harry by the arm, his pistol trained on the man’s head, but he let go and Harry saw his opportunity to escape as the two rolled down the steps in a heap. One of the earl’s men leaped out of the bushes, lifted his pistol, took aim and fired at Casper. The bullet grazed his arm just as Tom Wells and his friends came upon them from the direction of the stables. Lemuel got there first with his pitchfork, stabbed the man who shot Casper and rushed to Casper’s side.

  “Thank you kindly, Lem. Y’saved me life.”

  The toothy grin of Trudy’s beau beamed at Casper. “My pleasure. Lemme have a look-see, Casper.” He bent to examine his friend’s arm. “Winged ya. Not serious.” He ripped off the sleeve of Casper’s shirt and wrapped it tightly around the wound to stop the bleeding.

  Mrs. Trasker helped her son to his feet, linked her arm through his and, though she had a strong urge to run, began to stroll away with an unhurried air.

  “Not so fast,” shouted Lemuel. “Tie those two up,” he ordered, and two lads jumped to the task with enthusiasm. There hadn’t been this much excitement for residents of Sennen Cove since last New Year’s Eve, when the lads celebrated the event by burning down Farmer Hadley’s barn.

  “Watch out for the men with guns,” Casper warned.

  Lem grinned. “Those goons ain’t got their guns anymore. Whole town’s out there trussin’ ’em up. There are some folk plannin’ on a barbecue tonight, seems like. Them goons might just be the beef.”

  Waverley handed Helena over to her sister’s care. “I’ve unfinished business, love.” He tried to wrench the door of the earl’s carriage open, but the earl had locked it. “Open this door, Glynhaven, if you value your worthless life. Do it now or I’ll shoot you dead through the window.”