The Dark Side of the Earl: Historical Regency Romance

by Ella Edon

  “A man who was committed for several years,” Simon said grimly. “Sounds like it didn’t stop the obsession.”

  He was right on that, but Nathan was going to make sure it stopped now.

  Eleanor had tried to get away from Leyton, but he was too strong. He didn’t strike her, but Eleanor did wince when he made to hit her, only to stop and clench his hand into a fist inches from her face. She needed to get out of there, as fast as possible.

  But Leyton didn’t let her get away, even after Eleanor brought her knee up. He doubled over, but he didn’t let go of her, wrestling her into the chair he had been sitting in. Before Eleanor could react and fight back, she saw a flash of metal and something tickled her neck. She froze. Leyton had a knife.

  “Good girl.” Leyton reached under the chair, drawing out a coil of rope. “You know when to behave given the right incentive.”

  Eleanor didn’t respond. She bared her teeth and snarled at him. Leyton ignored her, bringing the rope up and wrapping it around her chest and the chair, pinning her in. Eleanor struggled, but she had to stop. It was hard to breathe when the ropes were pressing hard into her ribcage. Leyton knelt in front of her and sliced off some of the rope, which he used to tie her wrists together.

  “Do you normally keep rope in a bedchamber?”

  “Only as a precaution. Keeps guests from getting a little...above their station.” Leyton flashed her a grin. “You’re not going to get out of this. I’m pretty good with knots.”

  Eleanor snorted. “If this is your idea of declaring your undying love for me, Leyton, you’re going the wrong way about it.”

  “Oh, Eleanor.” Leyton sighed and sat back on his heels. “I think we’ve gone past that point. I tried to reason with you, but you wouldn’t listen. Then you might not be here tied to a chair.”

  “The fact you have to tie me down should tell you something.”

  “It says that I’m going to have to settle for unrequited love. For now.” Leyton rose to his feet. “You know, these days you don’t need to love each other to marry. I mean, you were going to be married for simple convenience. All you need to marry two people is a priest.”

  “You also need consent from the father of the bride,” Eleanor reminded him. “As well as consent from me. I don’t consent, and Father will never consent to have you as his son-in-law.”

  Leyton sniggered.

  “He won’t have a choice.”

  He reached out and traced his fingers down Eleanor’s cheek. Eleanor snarled and jerked her head away. Leyton paused.

  “Still a lot of fight in you. I’m sure we can change that. You’ll come to love me, Eleanor. I’ll be devoted to you, just as I have been for the last ten years.”

  “Ten years should have been enough time for you to realize when a woman says no, she means it.”

  “I also learned that women know how to tease a man, that they like a chase.” Leyton folded his arms. “And you like to be chased.”

  “I’m no tease!”

  “And I’ve been told women say that all the time.”

  “Who said that to you?” Eleanor sneered. “Because they’re just as mad as you.”

  Leyton’s flashed eyes, his jaw tightening. He didn’t like the fact she kept mentioning he had been committed. Good. Eleanor wanted him angry. Then maybe she could use that to get away. If she could breathe; the ropes were making it harder to do so.

  “No one’s going to be calling me mad soon. Especially not you.” Leyton turned and headed towards the door. “A priest will be here at midnight. He’ll marry us, and then we’ll be heading off for a nice long honeymoon. The Isle of Wight sounds like a perfect destination at this time of year.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  “You what?” Eleanor cried. “No!”

  Leyton stopped at the door, letting out a huge, frustrated sigh. He turned and leaned on the door with his shoulder.

  “Come on, Eleanor. I think I’ve already said that you don’t have a choice. I’ve made the decision for both of us. Just accept that.”

  Eleanor would not accept it. Just like Leyton would not accept her refusal. He was so determined to have her that he was willing to go to these lengths. Eleanor had met stubborn people in her time, but Matthew Leyton was something else. And it was beginning to get less frustrating and more frightening. Eleanor felt her pulse pick up, and her ability to breathe was getting harder to do. She started to take slow, shallow breaths, but that still hurt.

  “You’re out of your mind.”

  Leyton snorted. “I’m out of my mind? You’re out of your mind to have turned me down - so many times. Because of you, I ended up having a breakdown. You had to have known I would go to drastic lengths to have you as mine.”

  “I think if I was the reason for your breakdown, that should have given you a hint,” Eleanor shot back. “I’ll never marry you Leyton, and I’ll say no the whole way through the ceremony. The priest won’t have any choice but to say he can’t marry us.”

  But Leyton shook his head. He was looking smug again. “No, you won’t. Not if you want your father’s debts paid off.”

  “What?”

  “I know who promised to pay your father’s debts, and I know the condition attached to it. You want your father to be debt free? You must marry.”

  Eleanor snorted. “I think even Father’s benefactor will object to you.”

  Leyton sniggered. “And I know that he won’t. It’s all been sorted.”

  He had got himself involved with the man agreeing to pay her father’s debts by becoming the prospective husband? Was this man the same one who wanted Nathan dead? It had to be. What had she been dragged into?

  “Captain Reynolds will find me,” Eleanor said, lifting her chin at her captor. “He’ll make sure you pay for this.”

  Leyton arched an eyebrow. He looked amused at her statement. Amused was not what Eleanor was going for. That just made her angrier.

  “Captain Reynolds may find me. He’s a clever man, and I’m sure someone will have said something. But that’s what I’m counting on. If he finds us before we’re married, he’s not getting away alive.” He turned and opened the door. “Now, you need to be quiet. My servants are getting old and screams will make them cranky.”

  Eleanor let out an angry cry, only for Leyton to leave the room and close the door behind him, the key turning in the lock.

  Nathan could feel his heart racing as he and Simon travelled to Wandsworth Park. It was in a decent area, but everyone kept to themselves, which made it perfect for smuggling an unconscious woman in and out of a house. Leyton had to have known that.

  The natural reaction for Nathan was to charge into the house, put his pistol between Leyton’s eyes, and pull the trigger. He had put his hands on Eleanor and harmed her. Forced her away. In his eyes, Leyton had to pay the price. But while that would give him momentarily satisfaction, it wouldn’t make Nathan feel better in the long run. He would have that hanging over his head throughout his marriage. Eleanor wouldn’t see it as a good thing, either.

  Simon was right; killing Leyton wouldn’t get him anywhere. Nathan found it a struggle to kill the French during battle.

  Then again, with Eleanor involved, he decided he could make an exception.

  God only knew what Leyton was doing. He wanted Eleanor as his own, Nathan knew that much. Was he trying to force her to marry him? Hopefully, Eleanor would fight him the whole way. Nathan had seen the venom in her eyes whenever Leyton was mentioned. She despised the man. But what if Leyton had drugged her? Kept her compliant? Or what if she was…?

  Nathan pushed that last thought away. Eleanor was not dead. He was going to find her and bring her home.

  With him.

  Leyton’s house was on the corner, right in front of what looked to be a maze of streets. If he got out of there, he had a multitude of options around him to escape. Nathan wasn’t about to let that happen. He alighted almost before the coach had stopped, Simon jumping out after him. The four burly fo
otmen that his butler had picked out clambered down from the back of the carriage, falling into step behind Nathan as he took the front steps two at a time.

  He used the door knocker, the sound echoing around the house inside and made his head vibrate. Nathan waited. There didn’t seem to be any answer. He tried again. After what seemed like an age, the door opened, and an old man who had to be in his seventies with snow-white hair and a trimmed beard looked out and up at Nathan with a scowl.

  “Can I help you, sir? It’s very late for visitors.”

  “We’re not here on a social call.” Nathan pushed him, almost knocking the man over as he strode into the foyer. “I’m Captain Reynolds, Earl of Brixton, and I’m going to talk to Mr. Leyton whether or not you say it’s permitted at this time of night.”

  “Captain Reynolds?” The butler straightened up. “Mr. Leyton is expecting you. He said to let you in when you arrived.”

  “Oh, he did, did he?”

  “Yes.” The butler frowned at Simon and the footmen who filed in behind him. “But only you. These men can’t come in.”

  “They’re coming into the foyer, and they’re going to wait.” Nathan gestured at Simon. “Take Knowles and Reeve around the back, just in case.”

  “Right.”

  Signalling two of the footmen to follow him, Simon headed through the house. The butler was looking more and more outraged.

  “Mr. Leyton won’t allow this!”

  “After what he’s done, he doesn’t get a chance to object.” Nathan turned to Stewart and Bailey, the last two footmen. “Stay here. If this man tries anything, deal with him.”

  “You what?” The old man’s eyes widened. “You would hurt an old man?”

  Nathan snarled at him, which had the butler flinching away.

  “A young lady was kidnapped by your master. The young lady happens to be my bride. For all I know you’re complicit in this. I’ll do anything to get my lady back. Now, where is Leyton?”

  “In his study. Fourth door on the right.”

  The butler looked like he was about to faint, swaying on the spot. Nathan felt a pang of regret. He hadn’t meant to be threatening to the servant, who could be innocent in all this, but he had no time for arguing. Turning away, he headed through the house and reached Leyton’s study, barging in without knocking.

  Leyton was standing at his fireplace, the fire burning brightly. He was leaning a hand on the mantelpiece, staring into the fire with a half-empty glass in his hand. He didn’t look up as Nathan came in.

  “You found me a little quicker than I was anticipating, Captain,” Leyton said quietly. “You must have eyes everywhere.”

  “Where is she, Leyton?”

  “Who?”

  Nathan growled. “Don’t play innocent with me. Where’s Eleanor Heavenly?”

  Leyton pushed off the mantelpiece and turned to Nathan. His eyes glittered as he raised his glass to his lips, taking a leisurely sip.

  “My future bride does not wish to speak to you.”

  Nathan snorted. “Your future bride? Come off it. The banns for Eleanor and I have been published. We’re engaged to be married.”

  “By force. Eleanor didn’t want that.”

  “And what does that make what you’re doing now? A rescue?”

  “I’d like to think so.” Leyton strolled to a chair and sat down, crossing his legs. It was like he wasn’t fazed at all that he could clearly see the pistol tucked into Nathan’s belt. “Eleanor said she didn’t want a marriage at all. That she wished she could have her own choice.”

  “She also said that she would make a go of the marriage with me,” Nathan snapped. “And she’s not one to break her word.”

  Leyton sniggered. “You think so? I know how intimidating soldiers can be.”

  “You think Eleanor was intimidated by me?” Nathan barked out a laugh. “You really don’t know her if you think she could be intimidated.” He took out his pistol, keeping it pointed at the ground. “I’m here to take her home. And I’m going to bring you to account for your actions. You cannot just lure another man’s bride out into the open to kidnap them.”

  “She came willingly. Lady Chapman might have said otherwise, but I never hurt Eleanor.”

  “I have another witness who says otherwise.” Nathan was still shaking from hearing that Eleanor had been knocked unconscious before being taken away. “Did attacking Marion Laurie come into the plan as well?”

  Leyton rolled his eyes. “Marion was always putting ideas into Eleanor’s head. She’s not a good friend at all - she was keeping two lovers apart.”

  He was clearly enjoying himself. Nathan growled and pointed his pistol at Leyton’s head, resisting the urge to pull the trigger.

  “You can stop wasting my time, Leyton. Where’s Eleanor?”

  Leyton’s smirk vanished. His eyes flashed. “You’re not getting anywhere near her, Reynolds. I won’t let you. She’s mine.”

  “You won’t?”

  “No.”

  Leyton threw his glass at Nathan’s head. Nathan ducked, getting splattered with drink, and then Leyton charged at him. Nathan was knocked off-balance and they fell to the floor, his pistol spinning away across the carpet. Leyton rose up and punched Nathan in the face, making pain explode in Nathan’s jaw. With a snarl, Nathan lifted his hips and twisted, tossing Leyton off him. Then he rolled to straddle Leyton and punched him twice. The first one had Leyton looking dazed, and the second had his head bouncing off the carpet before he moaned and lay still. His eyes fluttered closed.

  Nathan found himself shaking his head. Someone should have taught him to fight when he was in confinement. That was far too easy.

  “Nathan?”

  Nathan looked up. Simon was in the doorway, his own pistol drawn. His friend’s eyes widened when he saw Leyton unconscious. Nathan rolled off the man and grabbed at his pistol.

  “The fool thought he could take me on in a fight.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine.” Even though his jaw smarted. “I’m going to find Eleanor. She’s got to be in the house. Then we’re getting out of here.”

  The magistrate could deal with Leyton. It was a better alternative to Nathan dealing with him.

  Eleanor had to be here. She was here, somewhere. Leyton would have kept her close by. Nathan searched the rooms downstairs, but there was no sign of her. All the while, he was going between panic and anger. Leyton seriously thought he could take away someone else’s bride and nobody would notice or care? His actions would have ostracized them both, whether Eleanor was willing or not. Maybe that was what Leyton wanted, to have the two of them alone where nobody would bother them.

  Eleanor liked a quiet life, preferring to be on the edge of society.

  I must find her.

  Taking the stairs two at a time, Nathan headed upstairs. The first two rooms were empty, but the third was locked. There was no key. With a growl, Nathan stepped back and then kicked out. The door gave way under the third kick and swung inwards, the lock and handle shattering in a rain of splinters. Nathan charged in, and what he saw made his heart drop.

  Eleanor was tied to a chair, her wrists bound together and roped around her body, keeping her pinned to the chair. Her head had fallen back, her face pale and her eyes closed.

  God, no.

  Nathan rushed over and fell to his knees. He cupped Eleanor’s head, feeling how limp she was.

  “Eleanor? Eleanor, talk to me.”

  Eleanor made a slight sound, but it was shallow. Very quiet. Her lips moved, and a whisper came out. Nathan leaned in close, his ear close to her mouth.

  “What is it? Eleanor?”

  “Can’t...breathe…”

  Couldn’t breathe? Then Nathan saw how tightly the ropes around her chest had been bound. With a growl, he brought out his knife and sliced through her bindings. They fell away and Eleanor gasped, slumping further in the chair as she gulped in air. Nathan could feel his hands trembling as he cut away the rope o
n her wrists. Then he eased her off the chair and onto his lap, cradling her in his arms.

  “It’s all right. It’s all right, love.” He rocked her gently, stroking her hair away from her face. “You’re going to be all right.”

  “Nathan?”

  Nathan let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding, pressing a kiss to Eleanor’s head.

  “Yes. It’s me. I’m here.”

  Eleanor’s eyes opened and she looked up at him. The relief in her expression slammed into him, making Nathan’s own chest tighten. Eleanor’s hand was shaking as she reached up and cupped his jaw.