A Taste of Seduction (19 page)

Hadley patted the young man on the back. “Thank goodness you were here, Clarence.”

Grayson stepped forward. “Clarence, have you been to the house?” At Clarence's nod Grayson called for some paper. “I hope you have a good memory. Can you draw a detailed plan of the house and the outbuildings surrounding it?”

Grayson had had a distinguished military career, as did Christian. Both had fought at Waterloo. The two men were brilliant strategists.

Clarence's memory was outstanding. It turned out he'd spent considerable time at Angleton. He knew the exact location of the stable and the layout of the main house and the servants' quarters. “I'm pretty sure I know where they will be keeping the boy. All new boys are kept in the attic. They think it is escape-proof.” Clarence pointed to the rough plan he'd drawn. “Most people think the only way into the attic is through the door at the top of the stairs. There are no windows. But I know another way in—through the roof. When Simon and I were originally at the house we tried to escape one night. With a knife I'd stolen, I managed to pry loose four planks. They were loose enough that with one good kick they would fall open, but not loose enough for anyone to notice. We never used it to escape because Simon fell ill and I couldn't move him. I bet they are still loose.”

Hadley wanted to hug the boy. “I'll take the roof.”

Grayson nodded and began to outline a plan. The men would split into two groups. One would attack the front of the house, and the other the back. It was unlikely they would think of the roof because, as Clarence said, there were no windows.

Clarence would stay with the horses, and once they'd rescued the boy, Clarence could get Sealey away as fast as possible while the men remained to capture Victoria and Isobel and find Arend if at all possible.

Evangeline sat on a chair in Sebastian's drawing room, a cup of tea in her hand. She didn't notice the liquid splashing into the saucer as her hand shook. She didn't pay any attention to the worried glances from the other women, and whatever they were saying was simply background noise. All she could hear hammering in her head were the words
It isn't fair,
over and over and over.

She'd suffered. She'd had her fair share of heartache. She'd lost five years of her life to a man whom she despised. Yes, there were many women in this situation, married off to men they held no affection for, or indeed downright hated. But it wasn't fair that she lose her son too.

Her beautiful, innocent son.

She couldn't help but feel there would never be a happily-ever-after for her. She was so stupid to have thought she could return to London and everything would fall perfectly into place. That Hadley and she could simply pick up from where they'd left off.

Fate obviously didn't want that for them.

Tears trickled down her cheeks.

“Don't cry, sweetheart. I promise I'll get Sealey back for you.”

She looked into Hadley's face. She'd not even heard him enter the room.

Would Sealey get a chance to know his real father? Would he get the chance to grow up to be like Hadley? Would he become a man whom women hungered after, a man with loyal and much-loved friends, a man who wanted to protect those most precious to him? She sucked in a breath.

Hadley would make a wonderful father. He deserved a chance, and she might have taken that from him.

She gripped Hadley's hands. “There is something I need to tell you. I should have told you when I first returned to London.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I'm sure it can wait. We have to leave. We have a lead on where Victoria has taken your son. Every minute counts.”

“Please, listen. I just need to tell you—”

Grayson called from the open door. “Are you coming, Hadley? Clarence has given us the directions to Angleton. They're on the table in the entrance hall.”

She continued to grip Hadley's hands as if her life depended on it. “Please—”

Hadley stopped her words with a passionate kiss. Finally he broke the kiss and pulled her into his arms, whispering in her ear, “I will bring him home to you. Have faith.” And with that he was gone.

She looked up beseechingly at Beatrice, who quietly said, “Perhaps it's better he not know until Sealey is rescued. He needs a clear head.”

The women all began talking at once, arguing about what she needed most at the moment. Beatrice suggested a small sherry with a dose of laudanum for her nerves. Evangeline shook her head; merely the idea of eating or drinking anything gave her nausea.

Just then Augustus appeared, sorrow clouding his features. He took the seat across from her and said, “I'm sure my brother will save your boy.” She knew what he didn't add:
Or die trying.

God, she could lose both of them. The thought pulled her out of her self-pity. She'd said she wasn't going to ever be a victim again, yet here she was once again doing nothing.

Well, not this time.

A plan flickered in her head. She couldn't continue to sit here waiting. She wanted to be there when Hadley rescued Sealey. Her son would be so afraid. He would need her.

Without alerting the other ladies to her true intention, she rose to her feet and said, “If you'll excuse me, I need…” She spread her hands wide, and they nodded. Yes, the retiring room.

As she made her way toward the door she stopped and whispered to Augustus, “Please meet me at the bottom of the stairs in five minutes.”

He frowned at her but nodded.

Once out of the room Evangeline made for the dresser in the entrance hall. Sure enough, there were the directions to Angleton Manor that Clarence had written up. Her eyes swept the house. No one was watching. She grabbed the directions and shoved them into the pocket of her traveling gown.

She paced the floor until Augustus finally appeared. She grabbed his arm and pulled him to one side, out of the view from the upstairs landing.

“I want to go after Sealey. I want to be there when they free him. He'll be so scared. He'll—”

Augustus took a step away. “Oh, no. Absolutely not. Hadley has entrusted me with your safety. I will not let him down.”

“Then you'll have to come too, because no one is going to stop me,” she quietly insisted. “I shall go with your help or without it.”

“I shall stop you. I'll alert—”

“You owe me. I'm going to help you with Lord Corby. You could at least help me. Help my son. Help your nephew.”

“He is family, isn't he? My turn to become the protector.”

“Sealey is Hadley's son. He doesn't know. I—I need to be there when they rescue him. He looks exactly like Hadley.”

Augustus put his hands on his hips. “I understand why you did not tell him at first. But once we'd returned…”

“I didn't have time before all this happened. Please, help me.”

He opened and closed his mouth several times, without any words coming out. Finally he said, “I'm sorry. If he hadn't felt obligated to help me, perhaps none of this would have happened. You would not have needed to go off to Lathero.”

“We have all made mistakes. I should have told him immediately. If anything happens to Hadley or Sealey…They don't even know each other.” She gave a small sob.

“Even if we could help, we have no idea where they have gone,” he finally said, with a touch of despair.

She smiled and pulled the directions from her pocket. “Oh, yes, we do.”

The men made the outskirts of Kensington-upon-Thames in less than an hour. Luckily the night sky was full of clouds. Under the cover of darkness they rendezvoused at a copse about half a mile from the house.

There were twenty men in total: the four Libertine Scholars, plus Philip and Clarence, and ten Bow Street Runners, as well as several of the servants.

“I'll take half the men to the back of the house. Christian, you'll attack the front with the rest of the men.” Grayson turned to two of the servants. “One of you will come with me; the other will go with Christian. Your task is to ensure the guns are reloaded promptly so that we do not run out of shots.” He turned to Hadley. “You'll only have your two pistols. You'll more than likely need both your hands to help the boy off the roof. So watch yourself.”

The men patted Hadley on the back and wished him luck. One group went to the north and the other to the south. Hadley was to wait five minutes to ensure that the men took care of any guards Victoria might have placed in the grounds.

He drew a few deep breaths, willing his nerves to settle. This was one of the most important tasks he had ever undertaken. He had to bring Sealey home safe and sound. Evangeline loved her son, and the idea of her losing him, of her being in such pain, was unconscionable. This rescue was about his future.

He checked his pocket watch, saw that five minutes had passed, and, remembering the route that Clarence had drawn for him, made his way stealthily to the back of the house. He reached without incident the side of the house where part of the kitchen jutted out. It was only one story high at this point, giving easy access to the roof.

He had to put his pistols away in the pockets of the greatcoat. It was dangerous because he would not be able to get them out quickly should he encounter any trouble. He hoped the men at the front and back of the house did their job and kept the enemy engaged and out of his way.

He took a running jump and managed to grasp the overhang of the roof's eaves. His greatcoat, loaded with pistols, made pulling himself onto the roof difficult. He lay there for a moment, gaining his breath. The next part of the climb would be tricky. The sloping roof made it too difficult to run and jump for the second story, and the attic was yet another story higher. Instead, he gravitated toward the cast-iron downpipe. He gave it a good shake and a tug. It seemed solid enough, and he hoped it would hold his weight.

He was thankful that the cool night was not wet, for it would've made climbing slippery. Within ten minutes he'd made it to the spot where the planks were supposedly loose. He pulled out his dagger and pried up one of the planks. To his relief it popped open with virtually no noise.

Just then he heard gunshots from below. Victoria and her men must have realized they were here. He had to hurry. His pulse raced and he immediately set about removing the other three planks.

The attic was in complete darkness. He prayed that Sealey was here. The poor little boy must be frightened out of his wits. As he stepped quietly into the room he heard little scurrying feet—
rats
. Anger bloomed, and he cursed softly. To leave a child in the dark with rats…He couldn't wait to get his hands on Victoria and throttle her.

In a whisper he called for Sealey, but only silence greeted him.

He moved away from his entry hole boards, hoping the limited light from the crescent moon would let him see further than his nose. He waited a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dimness. He still could see nothing. However, over the scratching of the rats he heard a small snuffle coming from the left—a child weeping. He moved forward cautiously, and almost tripped over a soft bundle huddled on the floor.

He bent down and whispered, “Don't be afraid, Sealey. Your mother has sent me to rescue you.” The boy gave a startled cry, and Hadley quickly shushed him. “We have to be quiet. Can you do that for me?”

There was a slight hesitation before Sealey whispered, “Have you really come to rescue me?”

“Absolutely. I promised your mother, and I don't want to disappoint her. So we'd best be moving. We don't want to keep her waiting, do we?”

Hadley scooped the boy into his arms. He was shaking, and his clothes were wet, the smell of urine overpowering.

“I have been very brave. I only cried once, when they took Lady Isobel away.”

“Good boy. You only have to be brave a little while longer.”

He put Sealey down and climbed through the exit hole, then turned to help Sealey through. Once they were both out he pushed the planks back into place; he hoped they would not check the attic room, but if they did and saw that the boy was no longer there, he did not want them to realize how the boy had escaped. It might buy Hadley some time.

“Can you hop onto my back and lock your arms tight around my neck? I'm going to have to climb down from the roof. If it's too scary, close your eyes and think about how nice it will be to see your mother.”

Sealey scampered onto Hadley's back and held on so tightly that he almost cut Hadley's air supply off. He moved the boy's arms down so they weren't crushing his Adam's apple, and pulled the boy's legs round his torso.

Hadley then proceeded to climb down the way he'd come up. It was easier than going up, as he could virtually slide down the drainpipe. Sealey clung to him and didn't emit even a whimper.

Once on the ground Hadley didn't hesitate. With Sealey still on his back, he ran to the agreed meeting point. His relief at spying Clarence ready and waiting with the horse almost caused him to stumble.

Without hesitating he swung the lad up to sit in front of Clarence. “To London. Take him to his mother. I'm going back to help the men.” Before he'd even finished talking, Clarence was off.

Hadley bent over, hands on his knees, drawing deep breaths. He'd saved the boy. His body flushed with triumph. Whatever happened during the rest of the night, the boy was safe. He hadn't let her down.

Pistol shots rang out in the darkness. He stood and had just begun making his way back to the front of the house when he saw a figure moving swiftly and stealthily toward a group of outbuildings—the stable, he figured.

He quickly altered his route and followed the fleeing figure. Probably heading for the horses. He began to run, not caring who might hear him.

As he arrived at the stable he could hear voices. There was more than one person inside. Creeping closer, he heard female and male voices. Was this Victoria trying to escape?

He slid past the stable door, which was slightly ajar, not making a sound. What he saw in front of him made his blood run cold.

Shrouded in a cape, Victoria stood pointing a pistol at his brother, who was standing in front of Evangeline, obviously trying to protect her. How the hell had they gotten here?

Not wishing to alert Victoria to his presence, he moved slowly and carefully, concealing himself behind a post.

“Please don't harm my son. He's innocent in all of this,” he heard Evangeline plead.

Victoria laughed coarsely. “Everyone is innocent at some stage in their lives—until they're not. I was an innocent child once.” Her voice hardened. “Until men, men who included His Grace's father, ripped that away from me.”

Evangeline cleared her throat. “I'm sorry for whatever they did to you. I can't imagine what you have gone through. But think of my son. He's like you were, innocent—”

“No one came to help me. My life was torn from me. I was left in the gutter, left to bleed and heal alone. But I swore I'd survive—swore I'd seek revenge. And I have. I've climbed higher than any of those men dreamed, clawing my way back to respectability.”

Augustus spoke up. “Then why start down this road of revenge against men who have done you no harm? Your abusers are dead and likely in hell for what they did to you. You have a good life.”

“Those men died before I could get my revenge. No wicked deed should go unpunished.” She laughed. “It's rather ironic, no?
I
don't expect to go unpunished for what I am doing now, but I've almost finished with my revenge. All but one Libertine Scholar may still be alive, but one dead will hurt them all. The guilt and pain of Lord Labourd's death will live with them for the rest of their sorry lives. I know that if I hurt one, I hurt them all.”

Hadley's throat constricted. Was Victoria confirming that Arend was dead? Rage roared deep within him, but he couldn't react, not yet. Not until Evangeline and Augustus were safe.

Victoria seemed in no dire hurry. She said, “I hadn't planned on the Duke of Lyttleton's wife sustaining such an injury. That was just as good as if I'd killed him. No child for His Grace—his line will die out. I count it as a just reward. However, my biggest success was Lord Fullerton.”

At his name Hadley moved closer, and he saw Evangeline's eyes begin to widen as she saw him over Victoria's shoulder. He quickly shook his head, and saw that she immediately understood—it was imperative not to alert Victoria with any reaction.

“I don't understand,” Evangeline said, clearly trying to distract Victoria. “Hadley is alive and well, isn't he?”

Victoria sighed. “Unfortunately, yes.” She eyed the pair. “I'd love to stay and talk, but my men can only hold the Libertine Scholars at bay for so long. Lady Evangeline, come to me.”

“She's not going anywhere with you,” Augustus replied.

Her pistol cocked. “Then I'll simply shoot you and take her with me.” With that, she drew out another pistol. “I need extra bargaining power should we encounter any of your friends.”

Augustus hesitated, clearly not knowing what to do.

Hadley had to act. Perhaps if he kept Victoria here talking, the others might find them and aid in her capture. He stepped away from the beam, pistol in hand.

“I can't let you do that, Lady Victoria.”

She moved sideways, keeping the smaller pistol trained on Augustus and Evangeline and pointing the other in his direction. “Oh, what a surprise. The father is here to rescue his son. Or is it the lady he's here for?”

Victoria's words taunted Hadley. “You know very well I'm not the boy's father.”

Her smiled widened mockingly. “Well, well, well. I may be a lot of things, but I never lie. Ask her.”

His blood stilled and his gaze sought out Evangeline. Her guilty face told the tale. He had a son! A son he'd just put on a horse and sent off to safety.

Why hadn't she told him?

Victoria laughed. “She didn't tell you, and you obviously have not met the boy. He's your exact image. I knew as soon as I saw him. That's when I decided I no longer wanted you dead. I'd rather have you alive, understanding that your son is the next Viscount Stuart and you will never be able to acknowledge him.” She aimed the pistol at Evangeline. “Especially if she is dead.”

His finger tightened on the pistol's trigger. He'd never wanted to kill someone so much in his life.

She continued her taunts. “I never dreamed my plan would be so successful. Did you know you were the first Libertine Scholar I targeted?”

“I hardly think so. Christian—”

“No, not Christian. This was five years ago.” As he cast a glance at Evangeline, Victoria followed his gaze and said, “Who do you think put the idea into your mother's head to trade your beauty for money? Who do you think introduced your mother to Viscount Stuart? I wanted to destroy Hadley's happiness. It worked perfectly. I just didn't understand you were with child.” She sent a gloating smile toward Hadley. “And while Lady Marisa cannot have children, this is the ultimate triumph—your firstborn son is denied your name.”

“You bitch.” Hadley could barely form coherent words.

“Most definitely. Now, Evangeline, be a good girl and come to me.”

“Don't move, Evangeline,” he countered.

“If you do not come to me, girl, I'll kill him.”

He heard Evangeline gasp, but his eyes never left Victoria. “You shoot me, I shoot you. We both might die.”

“I'm not afraid of death. I've caused enough of it. I knew you might learn of my identity once Evangeline arrived in London with her husband's journals.” She shook her head. “Viscount Stuart was a greedy man—greedy and stupid. He tried to blackmail me about my past. It cost him his life.”

“You killed him?” Hadley had suspected as much.

Victoria grinned like a madwoman. “Yes. He underestimated me. I wouldn't make the same mistake if I were you. Lady Evangeline, over here if you will.”

“Stay, Evangeline,” he ordered. Instead of showing how fearful he really was, he goaded Victoria instead. “You killing Stuart did me a huge favor. It saved me the task of killing him myself, and leaves Evangeline free to marry me. We'll have another son.”

Victoria's smile vanished, and her face grew tight with hatred. She swiveled her arm to point the second gun at his chest as well. He was afraid for himself, yes, but as long as Evangeline was safely out of the pistol's aim, that was all that mattered.

Victoria watched him intently for a few moments, and then a smile of pure evil broke on her lips. She turned one of the pistols back toward Evangeline again.

“You've just told me how I can hurt you. I wasn't sure what your feelings were for Evangeline, but now I know. You love her. You'd give your life for her, that's why you're here. If I kill her now…you'll be thwarted once again.”

To Hadley's consternation—and admiration—Augustus stepped in front of Evangeline.

“You will have to shoot me first,” he said, his voice calm, “and then my brother will kill you.”

“I don't think so. I know where Lord Labourd is. He needs me alive.”

Augustus looked at him, evidently weighing the options. Hadley nodded at him. None of them looked good.

Hadley took a step forward, and Victoria re-aimed the pistol in her other hand squarely at him. Trying to reason with her, he said, “Why not simply ride off now while you can, before the other Libertine Scholars turn their attention to finding out where I am and search this stable? Look, Evangeline's horse is still saddled—take the mare.”