Take by Midnight
Midnight Series Book 2
By Sharon Nelson
Copyright © 2011 Sharon Nelson
Published by Pink Phoenix Publishing 2011
http://www.bysharonnelson.blogspot.com/
All characters and events in this novel are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons or places is purely coincidental. All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the author.
Chapter One
The two men stood cloaked in a suppressing layer of darkness but Henry knew all too well who they were; he had spent the better part of two days trailing the little pudgy one through the slums of London. The pudgy chap was the owner of a small bookshop. Said bookshop was a known location for information and other dealings having to do with the Midnight Club.
The club was known as the most exclusive men’s association for anyone whose tastes ran toward underhanded and depraved. No one knew how to gain an invitation to join the club and indeed most people did not even know anyone who was a member, but everyone knew that the club existed.
Being the proprietor of a bookshop put Mr. Finchly in the unique position of being able to trade with enemy France as well as a wide variety of other countries with very little notice from the shipping authorities. They may have drawn little notice from the Queens Navy at the port but they had been noticed. Agents for the Crown had taken note some time ago. They had managed to intercept a few missives that made the war department sit up and take notice.
The messages had been written in code but enough of them had been deciphered to cast suspicions on the Midnight Club. Nearly a year before, Henry had been drawn into a plot involving the club that had revealed their intent to destroy half of London. They had many members with different agendas but their leader known as the Phoenix, was determined to bring down the monarchy. When the Duke of Remington and Lady Cadence had laid out their plan to stop the plot, he could not believe that they had gathered so much information on the club in only a couple of weeks. He had been trying to get information for several years.
In fact, shortly after leaving university he had taken London by storm, enjoying all of the usual entertainments of the ton. Several of his friends had attempted to ferret out the leader of the Midnight Club hoping to join the ranks of depravity but he had never had a taste for such things. Nonetheless he had stumbled upon some of their dealings and developed a sever dislike for their particular brand of entertainment; practices that often involved the mistreatment of women and children.
He finally decided that they should be brought to the attention of the authorities. Through a trusted acquaintance, he got the name of a man who was supposed to be a diplomatic correspondent but was rumored to be involved with special operations within the government.
This gentleman, Cavanaugh, had taken the information and passed it on to the appropriate persons. Within a fortnight he was sitting in his library being enlisted by Cavanaugh, who it turned out was working for the war office, to help gather information on the club. Henry had developed a reputation for depravity simply by associating with that particular crowd, never mind that he disdained such entertainments. He was an ideal candidate for membership. If anyone could gain entry, insisted Cavanaugh, it would be him.
Henry had not appreciated the assessment of his character but he had never done anything to change the tons perception of him so he could not fault Cavanaugh for repeating the gossip. He then found himself on clandestine trips through the slums of London tracking persons of interest for the war department. He had intercepted several missives and had become quite adept at deciphering their codes. Recently he had also been approached by the club and found himself ordered to deliver missives and carry out other mundane tasks for them.
It had been several years but he had been slowly working his way into the club’s good graces, taking every horrible assignment they had assigned him, which is what brought him to his present situation. The club had charged him with tracking Finchly. They had begun to question his allegiance and wondered if his messages were making it to their desired targets.
Henry was standing only a few yards away from the two men but thanks to the dense London fog he was well hidden. Their voices were not more than a whisper but he could hear them clearly.
“I told you, I don’t read the bloody messages. How am I to know whether or not they have anything at all to do with her?” The distain for the lady in question was plain in Finchly’s voice.
The other man said something in French too low for Henry to hear, then snatched the book from Finchly’s hand and stalked off into the night.
Following Finchly back to his shop, Henry waited for him to retire for the night and then headed to his own home. The cold had soaked into his bones and he was longing for the warmth of his best brandy and a crackling fire.
Henry Mason, Earl of Prescott moved through the underbelly of London as easily as he paraded through the glittery ballrooms of the ton. Tall and charming he was considered quite the rake but most overlooked his reputation due to his wealth and title. He was well liked by all and therefore many took him into their confidence and told him things that they probably should not. He was privy to all of the best gossip and was often the first to hear of untoward activities involving members of the ton.
The overcautious members of the Midnight Club had been slow to include him in their meetings. It was common for most members not to know the identity of the leaders. In order to be included in the club’s activities you had to be invited. No one knew who did the inviting or the organizing of the entertainments but every gentleman with twisted tastes wanted to attended them.
When Henry had first been invited to join in the Club’s activities a note had simply appeared in his study. It had almost been more of a summons than an invitation to join in the clubs next event. He almost decided not to attend but his interest had been peaked, could it really be as twisted as gossip suggested? He had also given Cavanaugh his word that he would do what he could to learn about the club. He was honor bound to attend.
He found that it was indeed very twisted. He tried to stay away from some of the more distasteful events because it was difficult for him to stand by and see innocents suffer without taking action. No matter his qualms he had to make appearances so that his cover would not suffer. Unfortunately, it had a rather dampening effect on his reputation among the more genteel portion of the population but there was no help for it.
The way the messages just appeared had been thoroughly disturbing; the thought of some ruffian sneaking into his home in the middle of the night was not a happy thought. One night he knew that a message would likely be coming so he sat hidden in the shadows of his study to get a glimpse of the mysterious messenger. When a small boy of no more than eight had crept through the study window and headed toward the desk, Henry reached out and grabbed hold of him.
Questioning the lad had been a waste of time. The messages were left for him in much the same way they were left for Henry. They simply appeared with delivery instructions. Every so often Henry would wait up in his study and catch the messengers, they were always young boys from the streets and they never knew anything.
Standing in the cold outside Finchly’s shop and residence Henry thought about the clientele of the shop. During his surveillance of the shop he had been able to identify several of its regular customers. Most of them were middle class men and they seemed to be purchasing regular books. They were all the intellectual types and Henry knew several of them taught at the university or held lectures at one institute or another. Only one of Finchly’s patrons had been a bit of a surprise, no member of the ton had ventured into this part of London so when he spotted one he became very curious.
Lady Tyme had come early that morning only a few moments after Finchly had flipped his closed sign to open. It was much earlier than most ladies of the ton would be out of bed let alone out of the house. The Lady was a widow known for extravagant parties and attended nearly every large ball or party. The more he thought about the early hour and her startling appearance at the shop the more curious he became.
From his perch across the street he saw her dash from her unmarked carriage into the shop clutching a small red book. Then only a few moments later she left the shop empty handed and glided to the carriage as if she were leaving a ball.
He had been wondering all day about the lady’s appearance and what had been in that little red book. When Finchly appeared carrying the same book his heart dropped. He had been hoping to get a look at the book before Finchly took it to its final destination.
Henry pondered how the widow had gotten mixed up with the club and decided that perhaps he could look into it when he was finished with Finchly. He needed to get close to her but couldn’t get too close or he would risk blowing his cover. He had never been introduced to the lady so it would be impossible for him to call on her but one of his acquaintances should be able to make the introductions. He debated which of his friends would be the best to ask as he climbed the last few steps to the front door of his house, Cambria Hall.
Once he was settled in front of the fire with one foot propped on the opposite knee, he sipped his brandy and puzzled his predicament. How was he to get close, but not too close, and still get information?
The next day he was to leave a message for the Midnight Club’s messenger under the pot on his front porch. He would tell them that Finchly was doing as ordered and nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Hopefully soon they would stop sending him on wild goose chases and give him something a little more challenging, and informative.
Chapter Two
Althea was bored out of her wits.
She could not imagine what had possessed her to stay in the country while everyone else was off having a grand time.
Cadence would be enjoying her new baby. Little Ella was just over a month old and while Althea had spent the two weeks after her birth with them she had felt that the new parents needed time alone to be a family.
Madison and Felicity had gone off to Brighton with Aunt Haddie for several weeks. And Edwin. Well no one really knew what Edwin was up to, but Althea knew it had to be entirely more entertaining than rusticating in the country. Even after several months Edwin had not fully recovered from his ordeal. When the Midnight Club had held him prisoner for nearly a year all sorts of horrible things had been done to him. Althea shuttered to think what it must have been like for her brother. He had always been the carefree cheerful one of their family and since his rescue Althea had seen very little of that brightness and light in him. She longed to bring down the scoundrels that ran the club but was entirely clueless as to how that would be accomplished.
Pushing the worries of her brother out of her mind she tried once again to focus on her book. It was a terrible representation of literature, a graphic novel of romance and peril; she had read it at least five times.
The hero in the book was a devilishly handsome rake who seemed to have all the ladies chasing after him on every page. A very unladylike huff escaped her as she tossed the book back onto the window bench.
“Who would really want a man like that?” She grumbled under her breath, trying to suppress thoughts of a certain rakish earl she had met several months ago and had since been unable to forget.
Staring out into the starry night sky she noted what a lovely clear night it was for so early in the spring. She pulled herself away from the window, grudgingly snatched up her book and headed for her bed.
After an hour in her room she had changed into her night shift, brushed out her long blonde hair and washed her face. She tried to block out the lonely knot that was forming in her stomach but it seemed her defenses were getting thinner and thinner. At nearly two and twenty she was coming to the conclusion that she was never going to marry. She was doomed to be a lonely old spinster.
Irritated with her mood Althea pushed back the blankets of her bed and walked across her room. She found her walking boots and pulled a cloak over her night shift. After pulling her hair into a loose bun at the nape of her neck she headed for the door. Turning down the dark hall toward the servant’s stairs she headed for the kitchen and the garden door.
She had no need for a light for this had become an almost nightly routine and she knew the garden well. Since her family had left, her restlessness had grown and she could no longer sleep through the night. The cool night air called to her and she often found herself wandering the park in search of something to fill the void. She had come to realize that her life was lacking but she was unsure of what it would take to make her feel whole. There was a nagging voice in the back of her head that whispered about a husband and a family. She quickly pushed the voice down to the back of her mind, telling herself it was an impossible dream.
Pushing through the kitchen door she stopped to let the crisp night air wash over her. The fresh air that only comes after a spring rainstorm filled her and urged her into the night.
The clouds that had carried the rain in during the day had moved off to reveal the twinkling stars that she had noticed from the library window. Althea tread a familiar path through the kitchen garden and across the grassy expanse beyond. There was a narrow game trail that wandered through the woods to a small pond. As children, they had used this trail on hot summer days to escape for an afternoon swim.
She could picture them all running through the woods. Pretending to be pirates or sneaking amongst the shrubs searching for French spies. She longed for the laughing carefree days of her childhood. Every day held some new adventure; life’s possibilities were endless.
Now that she was firmly on the shelf and beginning to gather dust her life had lost all adventure. Her days stretched out in front of her with an ever enshrouding sense of loneliness. The endless entertainments of the London season had once felt like a dream. Every new dance partner held the possibility of a happily ever after.
But before long the glitter of the ton had dimmed and she realized that gentlemen were nothing but rakes, looking for beauty or money, never looking any deeper. A wife was nothing more than a necessary obligation, an ornament. She realized that it was simply the way things were done in her world but she was not going to settle for anything less than love if she could help it.
When her sister Cadence had married the Duke of Remington Althea almost began to think that there was hope for her own happily ever after. The more she saw them together the more she realized that theirs was an unusual love and that something that special and rare could not possibly appear again; and would never happen to her.
Althea was nearing the pond, her soft slippers making almost no sound on the dense forest floor, when the sound of voices stopped her in her tracks. The noise was barely above a whisper but she could tell that whoever spoke was very close. Ducking down as far as she could, she strained her ears to hear them.
There were at least two men, one was clearly irritated while the others voice held a slight mocking tone. The man with the mocking voice spoke again. She held back an exclamation as she thought she recognized his voice. Shaking her head she thought how silly that was, what would he be doing way out here? His accent clearly identified him as a gentleman but she could not think of any in the neighborhood who could possibly be out in the middle of the night. It could be someone from the neighboring estate but it had been vacant for some time and she had not heard of anyone taking up residence.
When she couldn’t figure it out her curiosity got the better of her and she began to inch forward. She knew they must be standing just around the corner on the main trail through the Ashcroft park. Hunching forward she caught a glimpse of golden hair, the man’s back was turned toward her but there was a definite familiarity. She still couldn’t bring her mind to accept it, it just couldn’t be him.
“And what the bloody hell is this supposed to mean?” The other man asked, his voice rising in anger.
“I don’t write the messages old chap, I just pass them along for the Midnight Club. I don’t even read the bloody things. None of my business.” The golden haired man laughed and patted the other man jovially on the shoulder. At the mention of the club that had caused so much distress in her family a surge of rage pulsed through Althea. She wanted to jump from her hiding place and seize the two blackguards but knew that would be a foolish maneuver.
Althea had a clear view of the other man. He was rather short with a thick mop of black hair and black beady eyes. His resemblance to a rat was rather striking.
In the next instant the golden man moved to lean against a tree. When he turned Althea finally got a proper glimpse of his face. She sucked in a sharp breath, her hand flying to her mouth to cover the sound. Ducking low behind the bush she prayed that her exclamation had not given away her presence. She still could not believe that he of all people would be lurking in the woods conducting business on behalf of the Midnight Club. Not that someone of his character was not capable of underhanded activities. She rather thought him to be too much of a dandy to set foot in the woods.
After several seconds of strained listening she realized that the men were concluding their business. She slowly exhaled her relief and moved to where she could see again.
“If that will be all sir, I would like to retire for the evening. I am sure you have a long ride ahead of you tonight, heading back to London no doubt.” The gentleman pushed off the tree, nodded his farewell to the rat man and headed off down the path as if he were simply taking a leisurely stroll through Hyde park.
Althea watched him melt into the darkness and by the time she turned to look for the rat faced man he had disappeared as well. Waiting a few more moments in her hiding spot seemed a good idea so she lingered in her crouched position.
While she waited she replayed what she had heard of their conversation in her mind. After doing so several times she came to the only possible conclusion.
Lord Henry Mason, Earl of Prescott, was working for the Midnight Club.
Chapter Three
There was just no other logical explanation. The previous year while searching for their brother Althea and her sister Cadence had stumbled upon a Midnight Club plot to destroy the Monarchy. With the help of the Duke of Remington, Cadence’s now husband, they had managed to stop the club before any real damage had been done. They had not, however, been able to uncover the identity of the club’s leaders.
Althea realized that this was an opportunity for her to get information that perhaps no one else could; to stop one of the club members before they could cause any more harm. She felt a certain amount of vengeance toward the club for its part in her brother’s abduction but until now had seen no way to get her revenge.
She assumed that the earl must have moved into the neighboring estate as there was no other acceptable residence within several miles. She knew the woods around the neighboring park as well as her own and with the full moon to guide her it would be simple to get there and back.
Decision made she stood and stretched her aching legs and back and headed in the same direction the earl had taken. She couldn’t suppress the thrill of excitement that coursed through her at the thought of her very first mission as a spy.
Huddling in the bushes below the library window Althea prayed that the lights would go out soon. Her legs had gone numb quite some time ago. If he did not retire to his room soon she would be forced by the sun to postpone her investigation until the following night. By then it may very well be too late. Whatever information the earl was holding may very well be gone.
Just when she was contemplating the least risky way to get him out of the room the candle on the desk near the window went out. Soon all of the other light in the room faded away as well. He had apparently gone around snuffing all of the lamps himself instead of leaving it for a servant. There was only a soft glow that Althea assumed would be the burning embers of the fire.
She waited several more minutes, her cramping legs and sagging spirit buoyed by the promise of her impending invasion. When she felt confident that he had retired she peeked over the window sill to make sure. Seeing no sign of movement she slowly pushed up on the window, cringing at its small squeak of protest.
When it was open just enough to permit her entry she pulled herself up onto the ledge, a feat which turned out to be more difficult than earlier anticipated. After several moments of unladylike jumping and even more unladylike language, she finally managed to heft herself over the sill to land with a thump on the carpet below.
She sat for what seemed like endless heartbeats, waiting for someone to come rushing in and discover her. When no one appeared she climbed inelegantly to her feet to begin her quest.
The room was familiar to Althea as she had visited this house on multiple occasions. It had obviously been recently rented, there were still dust covers on much of the furniture and a goodly layer of dust on top of that. As she moved to inspect the only clean piece of furniture, the desk, she wondered if Prescott had even bothered to hire staff. Perhaps he had no intention of staying in this house for any period of time. Perhaps he was just staying over for a short time and she would be rid of him before she actually had to see him.
Still it was strange that an earl of his obvious wealth would rent a house and not hire servants to care for at least his most basic comforts. But then, if he was conducting illicit activities that would be considered treasonous he would want as few people as possible to know that he was in residence.
The papers that covered the desk seemed to be normal ledgers and business correspondence. There were three drawers along each side of the desk so she started at the left and worked her way down. All were empty except for spare bottles of ink and quills. She plopped down into the chair letting out a loud sigh of frustration.
“Not nearly as exciting as you had hoped?” A silky voice whispered in a mocking tone from the darkness.
Althea shot to her feet, a gasp of surprise escaping her. “I was-“
“Oh, do go on.” Henry laughed as she stumbled over her excuse. “I would love to hear why a lady of your rank would be skulking around the home of a single gentleman in the middle of the night.” Henry couldn’t stand it any longer in the shadows; she had been so enticing in her silky loose gown. He had a good inkling why she was here but it was most amusing. Suddenly a plan started to form in his mind. Perhaps she could help him with his little problem.
He seemed to glide into the circle of light provided by the fire. His coat was missing and it was a wonder she hadn’t seen his white shirt in the darkness. He seemed to glow in the firelight. A rakish grin was affixed to his lips.
Althea wanted to rip out her heart and stomp on it for the betraying flutter it gave in reaction to his smile. He was a manipulative rake who was in league with the Midnight Club. She would not allow her heart to flutter in his presence.
She could think of no plausible excuse for being in his library so she decided to go with the truth and pray that she could escape before he did away with her. “I saw you meeting with that man in the woods. I know you are an agent for the Midnight Club.”
“Have it all figured out do you?” He moved a few steps closer, his arms behind his back and his muscles strained at his perfectly fitted shirt.
“Yes, I do. Not all women are as flighty as you think they are. Some of us are capable of basic deduction and reasoning.” Crossing her arms she glared fiercely at him, willing her eyes to burn him.
“Oh I know plenty of intelligent women. I won’t argue you on that point. In fact, I know one impressively intelligent and brave woman very well. She recently married a good friend of mine, the Duke of Remington. Perhaps you know her?” His smile grew as he enjoyed her obvious shock.
“I- You- Explain.” She rounded the desk with angry strides to stand face to face with him. “No wait. Let me guess. My dear sister forgot to mention a few facts about my brother’s rescue to me.” Pacing in front of the desk she continued. “You helped in some way to save Edwin. She couldn’t tell me because you are working with Cavanaugh to infiltrate the club. It all makes sense now, I knew there must have been someone with inside information, but you-“ Henry could tell by the look of distain on her face that she didn’t care for his rakish reputation. A reputation he had cultivated quite carefully.
“That actually kind of stings, my lady. To think, I thought we had hit it off rather well that night we met in the Benton’s darkened hallway.” He actually had the audacity to wink at her.
The fluttering began again before Althea could stop it. “I was standing guard for Cadence and Blake.” She ground out.
“Oh, and a fine upstanding guard you were too. I never would have found you here if I hadn’t seen you lurking in the woods earlier. In your white nightdress. Which is very fetching by the way.”
Althea gasped, pulling her cloak tightly around her. Here she was carrying on an argument with this infuriating man and all along he was evaluating her in her night clothes. She knew she should expect no better of such a cad but he was still suppose to be a gentleman. “I think it is time I went home.”
She moved toward the window preparing to leave the way she had come. Before she got two steps he moved into her path.
“I can’t possibly allow a lady to wander home unescorted in the middle of the night.” Henry needed someone to get information about Lady Tyme, and Miss Ashcroft would make the perfect someone.
“What are you up to?” She put her hands on her hips, forgetting to hold her cloak closed. Henry got a very nice view of the thin fabric pressed to taught breasts. “You have an evil scheming glint in your eye.”
“Me? My lady, I would never presume to try and manipulate you.”
“Out with it," she ordered.
Henry enjoyed the irritation pouring off her. He decided she was rather fetching when she was angry.
“Very well. I have a proposition of sorts for you.”
“You wouldn’t dare. Do you have any idea who I am? My brother-“ She threw her arms up in outrage obviously assuming the worst.
“Miss Ashcroft,” he grabbed her upper arms trying to stop her flying fists before they did any damage. “I assure you, I would never take any such liberties. No matter what you think of me I am not that kind of man.”
She seemed to deflate then took a hasty step away from him, as if she couldn’t wait to get away from his touch. Her minor rejection stung a little but he had no idea why.
“What do you want then?”
“I would like you to become a spy” Henry stated.
Chapter Four
“Are you mad!” Althea nearly shouted, taking yet another step away from him.
“On the contrary, my lady, I think it is all rather convenient.” All she could do was gape at him. What on earth could he be thinking? He leaned casually against the sturdy wooden desk the same stupid grin affixed to his face.
“Convenient, indeed.” Althea longed for release from her boring existence. While becoming a spy did seem like a grand adventure she hardly thought it a fitting exercise for a lady. Not to mention that she loathed the thought of spending any additional time in the presence of such a condescending cad. Her heart gave a little protest at the thought but her brain would not argue the point.
“Indeed, I was just today pondering how I would accomplish this bit of…information gathering. And here you come along and offer the perfect solution.” Henry unfolded from the desk and paced slowly toward her. “Yes, you shall make the perfect spy.”
Althea held her ground as he circled her, looking her up and down as if evaluating her worth. “I will not do it. Whatever it is, it is not acceptable behavior for a lady, especially a single lady.” She tried to keep the heat from her cheeks but his evaluation was causing tingles to run over her whole body.
“Oh, but sneaking into the home of a single gentleman in the middle of the night is acceptable?” He mused, stopping in front of her and finally meeting her eyes. She noticed the glint in his deep brown eyes and her irritation grew.
“I thought you were in league with the Midnight Club. You were sneaking around the woods in the middle of the night meeting with unsavory persons. If I can stop the Midnight Club I shall do whatever I must.” Her chin jutted and Henry could see that she felt a need for revenge against the club.
What she did not know is that she had just backed herself into a corner. “Wonderful, it’s settled then.”
“What do you mean, settled? I told you I would not do whatever it is you are asking.” She was so irritated that she took a step toward him. Her rose scent filled the air around him, making him ache with longing.
“What I ask could help me with my case against the club. You do want to bring then down don’t you?” He wrinkled his brow pretending to be confused.
“I don’t care what it is. I will not do it.” She continued to protest.
Henry nearly laughed when she stomped her foot. “I see. So you are going to ignore the opportunity to assist in the destruction of the club simply because you cannot tolerate being near me?”
By her shocked expression he could tell that he hit the nail on the head.
“It has absolutely nothing to do with you.” Her stammer gave away her lie.
Henry found that her apparent distain for him rather stung. While she had always seemed rather indifferent to him he thought perhaps she was just playing coy. He was now realizing that perhaps she had some other issue with him. “Then you cannot refuse.” When his words came out in a bit of a growl he tried to reign in his irritation.
“I can and I have.” She stepped past him making her way again toward the window.
“Then I shall be forced to send the servants out after you to make sure you have made it home safely.” His words had the desired effect.
She stopped in her tracks, knowing full well what would happen if he requested such a thing from the servants. The whole village would know of her adventure before the sun had made it fully above the horizon. “You wouldn’t dare.” Her glare could have frozen him all the way to his toes had he not been so amused.
“Try me.”
“You would be forced to make an offer.” A glint lit her eye and he assumed that she was very proud of herself for coming to such a conclusion.
“Then I shall. I am of an age to marry and it would be a suitable match. You are pleasant enough to look at, when you’re not glaring like that.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” She bit out.
“Just an observation.” He quipped.
“I don’t believe you would do it.” She crossed her arms over her breasts, daring him to prove her wrong.
“Very well.” He turned toward the door where the pull to summon a servant hung. When his fingers were brushing against the velvet pull she finally broke.
“Fine.” She sounded so miserable he almost relented. “You may call on me tomorrow and we can discuss the details.” She turned again for the window.
“I have your word?” He asked, she would not back out once she had promised if she was anything at all like her sister.
“Yes.” She barely managed to growl out.
“Good.” He grinned at her and reached for the door. “Then I shall escort you home. We can use the front.” Pulling open the door he motioned for her to proceed.
“But the servants could see us.” She stated the obvious but he could tell she was already beginning to suspect his deception. “There aren’t any servants are there?”
When he simply stood there grinning Althea wished she had something to throw at him. She stomped across the room and pushed past him. Heading straight for the front door she didn’t pause or wait, she simply walked as quickly as her feet would carry her. She had to get away from him before she did him bodily harm.
He had manipulated her and she had given her word to help him. How could she have been tricked by such a despicable scoundrel? The scheming lying blackguard, it was no wonder he made such a good spy.
For a brief moment she had almost thought him noble to risk his person in service to the crown. He was trying to bring down the very club she had so longed to destroy and she had assumed that the rakish perception was nothing more than a disguise to further his mission. She should have known when he said he would offer for her that he was lying. One such as him would never marry, no matter the circumstances.
She heard his footsteps following close behind her but chose to ignore him. There was no way that she would converse with him further.
“Are you going to ignore me the entire way?” He said jovially from behind her.
She did not have to look to know that his grin was plastered across his foolishly handsome face.
When she didn’t answer he quickened his pace, coming along side her. “Come now, Miss Ashcroft. Please forgive me.” He placed his hand over his heart and his expression was nearly convincing, nearly.
She continued on her course, returning her eyes forward.
“I am sorry. I would release you from your promise but I feel that this bit of information could make all the difference. It is important or I would never ask it of you.”
At that she stopped and looked at him. “I cannot forgive you, but I shall try to understand. You may explain while we walk.” She glanced at the horizon to see the first signs of morning. “We had better hurry, I really do have servants.”
Henry couldn’t help but notice the slight upturn of her lips and he realized that she must have a real smile in there somewhere. He vowed he would find it soon; he had to know what she looked like when she smiled, or laughed. He suddenly wanted to know all about her.
What a ridiculous notion.
“Well for the short version,” he began, “you are acquainted with Lady Tyme?” When she nodded he continued. “I have reason to believe that she is acting as messenger for one of the leaders of the club. I would like you to get close to her. Try and find out for sure and hopefully find out who she is working with.”
“Lady Tyme, an agent for the Midnight Club? She hardly seems the type.” Althea had met the lady on several occasions. She was known for fabulous entertainments. She had a friendly and open manner and everyone adored her even the highest sticklers of the ton. “Besides, it seems as if you would be in a better position to… get close to her.” The thought of him in intimate circumstance with the lady made Althea clench her teeth. Ignoring her reaction she stepped carefully over a protruding root in the path.
“I cannot. The club is watching me. If she is indeed working with them they will get suspicious if I suddenly start snooping around. I have been working on this for several years and while I feel strongly that she is important, my other inquiries are more urgent.”
“And will this be dangerous?” She was not afraid for her safety but would like to be prepared.
“You do think I am a despicable cad, don’t you?” He stopped suddenly and looked down at her. His expression seemed to hedge between anger and curiosity.
She looked down at her hands, suddenly ashamed for having assumed such things about him without really knowing him at all.
He placed a gentle hand to her chin lifting so that her eyes would meet his. “I assure you I would never knowingly place a lady in danger, especially one so magnificent.” His voice was like a gentle caress and she could not help but lean into him.
When his lips touched hers all thoughts melted from her mind, sending a flush of heat over her body. His strong arms came around her, pulling her tight against him. Their bodies entwined for a blissful never-ending moment.
Chapter Five
When they finally parted, she couldn’t help the contented sigh that escaped her. He took a step back, the cool night air rushing in to steal the heat of his body away from her. She tried to ignore the possessive longing she felt for his touch but was startlingly unsuccessful. He clasped her hand gently drawing it up to his lips and placing a lingering kiss on her palm.
“Until this afternoon, my lady.” There was a wicked grin and a twinkle in his eye as if he had won some sort of game.
Althea suddenly realized that she was supposed to be angry with him, that he was nothing more than a rake playing a role. Anger coursed through her but before she could lash out at him he disappeared into the forest, whistling happily. She listened to the sound fade feeling more and more like a fool the more the silence grew.
The sun was peeking over the horizon, turning the sky a dull gray. She would have to hurry if she was to be through the kitchens before the servants woke. Stomping through the grass she clung to her anger. There was no way she was going to think for even a second about how marvelous that kiss had been. She would not think about the feel of his body pressed to hers or the way her skin tingled at the feel of his caress. And most definitely she would not think about repeating the experience.
She would simply crawl into bed and never think of it again. He was an incorrigible rake and he did not deserve any such time in her thoughts.
Sometime later Henry woke to the sound of his valet moving about the room. Smith never was one for letting him sleep late. He would never go so far as to actually wake his employer but he was not above “accidently” making loud noises.
Taking the hint Henry pried his eyes open and glared at his valet. “You would do well to remember who pays your wages, Smith.”
“I shall remember in future, Your Lordship.” Smith’s tone could be considered anything but contrite.
“You are a cheeky devil.” Henry growled. “It's a good thing you are so useful to me or I may have to reconsider the continuation of your employment."
Smith made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort; though Henry could hardly imagine the man making such an undignified noise. Smith was a rather tall ordinary looking fellow. With brown hair and eyes, he could easily blend into the crowd when the need arose. But on most occasions he had the bearing of an aristocrat. Henry had no idea where Smith had come from but he possessed a unique set of skills that had come in useful on more than one occasion.
“Would Your Lordship care for a bath this morning? I imagine you would like to look your best for your call on Miss Ashcroft this afternoon.”
“How in blazes,” Henry stopped himself remembering who he was talking to. “Never mind, I don’t want to know. I trust you are the only member of the staff that knows of the lady’s visit last evening?” Henry swung his legs over the side of the bed and moved to get ready for the day, noting how exhausted he still was. He almost felt guilty for lying to Miss Ashcroft about there being staff in the house. Though he hadn’t really lied, she had assumed he had been lying and he had simply not answered when she assumed.
It would not matter anyways, the only staff in the house was Smith, a cook and a maid; all brought from London. His staff had been very carefully chosen with his mission in mind. They all knew the risks he was taking and were well paid for their silence.
“Of course, My Lord. I imagine your bath is ready in the dressing room. I shall return with your breakfast.” Smith moved to leave the room.
“I don’t know why you even bother asking what I want, Smith, when you always know before I do.” Henry said irritably moments before Smith closed the bedroom door.
He knew he shouldn’t complain about his valet’s behavior. Then man was a godsend, he always knew exactly what was needed and it was always done without fuss or bother. So what if he was cheeky on occasion? The man was a saint for putting up with his sullen temper and unpredictable schedule.
As he enjoyed the relaxing effect the hot water had on his sore body his thoughts drifted toward a certain irksome female. While Miss Ashcroft was beautiful and enthralling she seemed to have little awareness that she held such appeal. During the last Season in London he had noticed how gentlemen flocked to her. She always had lively and enlightened conversation and never lacked for dance partners.
They had never actually been formally introduced. He had been investigating Lord Benton for his involvement in the club when he had come upon her in the corridor just outside the gentleman’s library.
“What are you doing here?” She had said in an accusatory voice. She had seemed from that very moment to hold some distain for him.
“I might ask the same of you, my lady. Perhaps waiting for an assignation?” He had only been joking but she took immediate offense.
“I hardly think that is an appropriate thing for you to say to a lady, my lord.”
He had laughed loudly at that. There she had been, standing quite alone in a darkened hallway and she was reprimanding him on proper behavior. He had known in that moment that she was special. The fire and courage in her was clear, she was quite unlike any woman of his acquaintance.
She shot him a quick glare for his laughter then took off down the hall. “I believe that is enough, sir. You may escort me back to the ball now.”
He had hurried to catch up then demanded that she take his arm. During their short walk he had convinced her to share the next dance with him so upon returning to the ballroom they took their places for the waltz that was about to begin. She hardly spoke two words to him during the entire set. When the music ended, she nodded her thanks and disappeared into the throng of people.
That was the last time he saw her until she came sneaking, rather ungracefully, through his library window. After the affair with her brother the Ashcroft household had all retired to the country.
He wondered why she was not in town, the Season was well under way and she was several seasons into her marrying years. He was quite surprised that one of her many suitors had not made an offer thus far.
The look of shock on her face when he said he would make an offer had been priceless. She tried to call his bluff but little did she know that he had had his eye on her since that night at the Benton’s. He had known all along that until business with the Midnight Club was settled he could not endanger a wife and so could not make any move toward Miss Ashcroft. He had also known that she was a favorite among the bachelors of the ton and there was a possibility of her accepting an offer from someone else.
Throughout the last year when his thoughts had strayed to her he tried to tell himself that it would not matter. That she was simply just another miss who could possibly fill the roll. The more time that passed without seeing her, the more he had begun to believe it.
But their kiss had shattered that illusion.
He would be ruined for anyone else if she married another. There simply wasn’t another woman like her. He was not in love, his brain argued. She was simply the only lady he had met who did not set his nerves on end and who could maintain an intelligent conversation. If he had to be married at least it could be to someone with a modicum of brain behind the pretty face.
His heart scoffed at his brain’s reasoning but did little to set it straight.
Chapter Six
Althea paced the drawing room. He was late.
Well he wasn’t technically late, as he had never specified a time. But generally calls were between two and four in the afternoon and it was well after three. She had no idea why she would expect a man of his caliber to observe the social niceties but none the less, she had.
So she paced, and glared at the clock upon every turn in that direction. She had been waiting in the drawing room since half past one, assuming that he would be as anxious as she to discuss their business.
Finally she heard the crunch of carriage wheels in the drive and shortly a knock on the front door. She hastily sat in a chair facing the drawing room doors and arranged her skirts. She picked up the book she had long ago discarded and pretended to read.
“My lady, the Earl of Prescott to see you.” Their butler Carlton called from the door as if it was every day that earls called on her.
She knew he would be waiting just beyond the door so she gave an exaggerated sigh of irritation. “Very well, Carlton, show him in.”
Carlton gave her a curious look but then stood aside to admit the earl.
She did as she ought and stood giving a slight dip of a curtsy, “Good day, my lord. How do you do?”
When he smirked at her she itched to give him a good punch in the nose.
“Very well, my lady. Thank you for your inquiry.” When she motioned for him to sit he shook his head. “I thought perhaps we could go for a ride. It is a lovely day.” He motioned toward the drive.
When she looked she could see a tiny curricle with a set of matching grays instead of the carriage she had expected. “Oh, I hardly think …”
“Oh, I insist.” He gave her a meaningful look that told her she had no choice in the matter.
She stood for a moment debating whether it was worth a battle and decided it did not overly matter. He had her over a boiling pot and she had little choice but to do as directed. The last thing she wanted to do was argue over something stupid and end up married to the insufferable man.
He made a big production of escorting her outside and helping her up to the curricle, pouring every ounce of charming into the show as he could manage. She, however, was not fooled.
Once they were moving down the drive she got impatient and could wait no longer. “What exactly are you going to make me do?”
“Now, do you have to look at it like that?” He frowned at her.
“Like that? Like you blackmailing me into spying on some poor innocent woman for you? Or like you blackmailing me into putting myself into potentially reputation ruining situations? Or …” She longed to continue her rant but he cut her off.
“Blackmail? I hardly think it's blackmail. It’s more like coercion. Or a plea for much needed assistance. And I will not allow your reputation to suffer.”
“And how shall you avoid it? You know what people will say if they see us spending too much time together.” Her stomach churned at the thought of spending more time alone with him.
“Then I shall do the honorable thing and make an offer. I meant what I said before. You would make a fine wife.” His voice had lowered and he seemed to be implying something but she could not fathom what.
“And what makes you think I would accept such an offer?” She cut out bitterly. As if she would accept an offer simply because he felt honor-bound to make it.
“Well that would be your decision. It does not matter, it won’t come to that. This will simply take a few days and then you shall be rid of me.” Althea wondered why he sounded so despondent at that statement.
“Yes, well, you had better get to explaining then. We can’t be driving around the county all day.”
“Oh, I think I could be quite content to ride around with you all afternoon, my lady.” His joking humor was back. Althea was coming to realize that this façade of his was rather like a wall he put up to keep people from looking too deeply. She wondered what was under that rakish exterior.
When she didn’t reply he continued. “Lady Tyme, as I said last night, has had some dealings with the club. I have seen her on numerous occasions running messages for them. It would benefit my investigation greatly if I could discover where they are coming from and where they are going.”
“Indeed that would be helpful.” She agreed reluctantly.
“I assume you know at least a little about the clubs motivations after the ordeal with your brother?” He asked, turning the grays onto her favorite stretch of road in the neighborhood. The trees met high above the road, creating a fairytale like tunnel with white and pink flowers dotting the green expanses.
“Yes, many of the high ranking members have their own motivations but the general goal of the club’s leader is to destroy the monarchy. Someone called the Phoenix organized the plot involving my brother. We assumed that Phoenix was Uncle Marcus’s code name but he has never confirmed it and we never found any evidence either way.” The mention of her uncle reminded her just how much the Midnight Club had almost cost her family.
“Indeed, my own investigations have found that the Phoenix is still active in the club so it is unlikely that your uncle was the Phoenix. That or someone has taken on the mantle and begun to use it as his own. I cannot tell you the details of my mission but I can assure you that if it is within my power I will bring down the Phoenix and make sure that he is held responsible for his part in the affair with your brother.”
Althea could tell that his walls had dropped again and she was near tears at his declaration. Blinking rapidly she nodded, unable to squeak out any words.
“I have no evidence to prove that Lady Tyme is involved other than my own observations of her behavior. I’m afraid you’ll have to trust me in that regard.”
When she looked into his eyes she could see that all pretenses were gone. He believed wholly in what he was telling her. “I believe you. And I will help you. If she is involved and the information she has may help to stop the club and the Phoenix then I will do all in my power to get it.”
The serious moment hung heavily between them for what seemed like a long time. “Thank you.” In the next moment his eyes changed and the walls had gone back up. “I had better get you back before people start to gossip. Besides you will need to pack if we are to leave for London tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? And what do you mean ‘we’?”
“Well yes, the matter is quite urgent I’m sure you will agree. Also I have a very large traveling coach I am sure that you and your maid will be quite comfortable riding with me. There is no reason to impose upon your staff.”
“I can’t possibly.” The thought of spending the entire day locked inside a carriage with him was fairly terrifying, even with a maid.
“I insist. It will be quite proper as long as your maid is along.”
“Ellen is nearing sixty. She will sleep the entire way!” She was trying to suppress the welling of panic in her chest. He wouldn’t dare try anything with Ellen present, even if she was dead to the world when she slept.
“Good, it will give us plenty of opportunity to discuss our plans for your mission.”
“Oh, indeed.” She bit off sarcastically. “Plenty of time for discussion, that should be heartily enjoyable.”
Chapter Seven
Ellen had nearly fainted when Althea told her that they would be escorted back to London by the Earl of Prescott. She had not been overwrought because it was only questionably acceptable for them to ride together. No. Her maid, who had been like a mother to her, was ecstatic at the possibility of a match.
“Ellen, he is only being polite as a courtesy to Edwin. He overheard me mention my plans to return for the remainder of the Season and practically forced me into accepting his invitation for escort. The man is a total boar.” She did not need to lie about that last statement, Althea noted to herself. He was completely insufferably pig-headed. He was only lucky she had no idea how to go about the spy business or she would be the one doing the planning and he was sure to take exception to that.
“As you say, My Lady. Though I’m sure he can’t be a complete barbarian or else you would have refused his kind offer flat out.” Ellen was not going to give up on the match easily, Althea would need to be careful or her dearest maid would set the earl a trap that neither of them could escape.