The Duke's Temptation (18 page)

Chapter 26

Gabe glared at the note sitting on the polished surface. It hadn’t been there when he’d left the house, but when he returned from his ride there it sat, right in the middle like a beacon of peril.

How the blast had the blackmailer found access to him at Frenton Hall? And how had he gained entrance?

With none of the staff aware of where the letter had come from, Gabe had to admit he’d miscalculated somehow. For his tormentor to move freely about the estate, the man was either familiar with it or had one of the staff members working for him. Gabe had replaced the entire staff after his father’s death and there had been no recent hires. Therefore the odds someone from the household was involved dwindled.

Which left the question of how the man managed to gain admittance into the house and leave the missive without being seen.

How the damned thing arrived disturbed him enough, but what it contained he had found worse. He’d read the words so many times he could recite them in his sleep.

If you relocated to the country to be rid of me, you have much to learn. Unless you share your secret, I won’t be going anywhere.

I noticed your bastard brother has arrived. Which leads me to my next request. Turn him out. He has no business dirtying the Wesbrook property with his presence. Your father would never allow such dishonor. You have two days to be rid of him.

If you don’t, all of England will know you forced that girl to kill herself. Try showing your face in society after that.

Gabe would never banish Nate from Frenton Hall, but he wasn’t prepared to have his secret exposed. Sharing that night with Elizabeth, to help her understand the man he’d become, was one thing. Divulging his role in Mary’s death to public disparagement was something else completely. Especially when he had Phoebe to protect.

“Hiding from a certain captivating woman, brother?”

Gabe’s instinct was to cover up the letter when Nate entered the study. Instead, he left it where it sat on the desk. The author of the note had invited Nate into his scheme the moment he’d demanded Gabe turn him out. It was time to be open with his brother.

“No need to pout.” Nate took a seat before the desk. “I swear I didn’t touch her. Well, maybe I touched some. Mostly I just looked.”

Gabe didn’t respond to Nate’s jest. Instead he flicked the threatening letter across the desk with his finger.

With an arch of his brow Nate snatched it before it fell to the floor, and opened it slowly, keeping a skeptical eye on Gabe. Only after he’d unfolded it did he look down.

“Is this my eviction notice?” he finally asked as he threw the letter back on the desk.

“Don’t be a fool. Of course not.”

“I take it ‘the girl’ is in reference to Mary.”

“Do you know of any other woman I’m responsible for killing?”

“Actually, I’m not aware of any, despite what your unreasonable mind chooses to believe.”

Gabe motioned to the letter. “It seems I’m not the only one.”

“Fine. You and one other buffoon. You don’t appear too surprised by such a letter. How many have you received?”

“This is his third. The first came shortly after Phoebe arrived.”

“Do you think the two events are related?”

“No more than whomever is responsible using my newfound daughter as incentive for me to comply.”

“And have you?” Nate remained relaxed in the chair but Gabe suspected his brother was critically analyzing the situation.

“Before today’s request, yes. But merely to buy myself some time so I can figure out who the hell he is.”

“What makes you so sure it is a man? I’ve met a few females more than capable of such nefarious deeds.”

“The handwriting. It is too heavy and bold to be a woman’s. Unless there are two, it is definitely a man.”

“Any other thoughts as to whom it may be?”

“Based on his desire to have me agonize over his next demand, I must have provoked him somehow. In what way, I haven’t the foggiest. If we were to list the men I’ve insulted since my youth, we’d be here all day. His ease of entry into Frenton Hall—without being seen, no less—means he’s familiar with the estate. Other than that, I haven’t a clue.”

Relaying the evidence reassured Gabe that he was not so alone in this fight.

Nate thought for a moment. “How do you know he isn’t bluffing?”

“I haven’t had the nerve to test the thought. There’s too much at stake.”

“I’ll leave today.” His brother didn’t hesitate.

“This is your home. You are
not
leaving.”

“Gabe, be reasonable. False or not, you can’t afford someone spreading rumors that you are a murderer. Phoebe will be ostracized enough for being illegitimate. She doesn’t need the stigma of having a supposed murderer as her father.”

“Nate, I’ve had enough of the
ton
comparing me to our father. Enough of being powerless to erase the bastard’s past. And enough of some gutless rival set on either my subordination or ruination.” Gabe grabbed the note from his desk and balled it within his fist.

He met his brother’s concern with determination. “It’s time to take control. Therefore, you won’t be going anywhere. I just need more time to uncover who is behind this. But I can’t go gallivanting around England looking for clues. Not when I have Phoebe here.”

“Then stay here with your daughter and send me.”

Gabe’s skepticism at the suggestion must have shown, for Nate quickly added, “I am good for a few things, brother.”

“I don’t doubt you are, but I hardly see how your skills with the ladies will come in handy.”

Instead of being offended, Nate flashed a cocky grin. “You’ve obviously never had to entice a woman to divulge her secrets. I’d get further with my charm than you would with your obstinateness.” Nate’s grin died and he became serious. “Gabe, you need to trust me on this. There are a few aspects of my life you are not privy to. I am more than capable of handling this. Stay with your daughter. I’ll discover who’s been sending the letters.”

Gabe didn’t need to be further persuaded. Nate might act the lighthearted charmer but the man was more than capable.

Before Gabe could voice his agreement, Nate pressed on. “With me leaving Frenton Hall to search him out, it would appear as if you’d expelled me. It would give us more time to track the perpetrator.”

“You can stop trying to convince me. I’ll allow it. I need to be here for Phoebe.”

“And just when I was about to play upon your deep brotherly affection for me.” Nate feigned a pout.

Gabe tossed the crumpled note onto the desk. “All joking aside, you need to stay vigilant. The man might be capable of anything. No unnecessary risks, little brother. I don’t want to see you hurt fighting my battle.”

Nate stood and met Gabe’s eyes. “It is about time you realized there are people who feel you are worth risking their life for.”

Chapter
27

Refreshed and ready for dinner, Elizabeth approached the door to the sitting room. Nerves caused her to stop short of entering.

She hadn’t seen Gabe since their ride. How should she proceed? She would never believe him responsible for Mary’s death, but his confession had altered the tenor of their already confusing relationship. She was afraid to find out to what extent.

Now was not the time to be a coward. If Gabe sensed any nervousness from her, he would assume she thought him guilty. She straightened her back and placed what she hoped was an easy smile on her face.

As ready as she could be, she strolled into the room. Her smile took a dip the moment she realized the room held a single occupant and not the one she desired.

Facing the doorway from her spot on the sofa, her aunt noticed Elizabeth the moment she entered. “Good evening, my dear. You look refreshed after our quest today.”

Reminded of the treasure hunt, Elizabeth smiled, this time without having to force it, and crossed the room to take a seat in the chair opposite her aunt. “I don’t know if refreshed is the exact word to describe what I am. I can’t figure out how you manage it but I’m almost convinced you have more energy than Phoebe.”

“Ah, nonsense. Where do you think I get my vigor? That little bundle keeps me going,” Aunt Millie injected with a youthful sparkle in her eyes.

“Either way, I appreciate the time you’ve been spending with her. Your adventures seem to be easing some of her fears. It has been days since she has gone quiet and stared at nothing.”

“I certainly hope so. I hate to see her troubled by events out of her control. Her bond with her mother might have been thin but this much upheaval in a little one’s world can never be good.”

“I agree. But all we can do is to help her feel secure in her new circumstances. There are a few remaining prospects for a governess and I’ll be scheduling interviews for the next several days. Once someone is hired, that will create more stability for her. Being in the country has actually hindered the search for someone suitable. Most of the women are residing in London and arranging a meeting would have been more convenient if we were still there.”

“Staying in London might have made the search for a governess more productive, but it wouldn’t have aided in bringing you closer to Gabriel,” her aunt said with a slight wink.

Is the woman even attempting to be a proper chaperone?
Not that there was a need. Gabe hadn’t approached her with anything other than his bid of friendship since the day at the inn.

Wondering where the exasperating man was, Elizabeth inquired, “Will Gabe be joining us this evening?”

Her aunt answered in an offhanded way, as if unaware of the importance the answer held. “I believe Wilkes mentioned Gabriel went into town for the evening. Apparently there were some things he needed to attend to.”

Elizabeth struggled to keep the scowl from her face.
More like he needed to avoid me.

Her aunt added, “It will just be the two of us tonight.”

“What about Phoebe?”

Even at Frenton Hall, Elizabeth had continued to allow Phoebe to join them for meals. The child had much to adjust to and it didn’t seem beneficial having her eat alone when their meals were informal. Besides, when not sullen, Phoebe was a delight and most often well-behaved.

“The child finally ran out of steam. By the time Cook got done filling her with sugar biscuits, she was dead on her feet.” Aunt Millie chuckled. “If it hadn’t been for you, I might have excused myself.”

Elizabeth loved her aunt dearly but the notion of partaking in the meal without Gabe and Phoebe had put a damper on the evening.

Sadness overwhelmed her at the realization of how Gabe’s admission affected the odds of him ever coming to love her. Confronting his feelings had already seemed akin to beating oneself against a wall. His current absence could only mean he meant to keep himself at a distance.

“I received a letter from Marcus today.”

The announcement drew Elizabeth from her musings. “Oh, and what did my brother want?”

Elizabeth had her suspicions as to what her often-overprotective brother wanted. He had a tendency to unnecessarily check on her. Even after everything, he still didn’t think her capable of managing her own affairs. Why else write to their aunt and not to her? He knew she would question his motive.

“Nothing besides filling me in on the happenings we’ve missed since leaving London.”

“He never asked about me?”

“He said to give you his love and that he missed you.”

Maybe she’d misjudged her brother. Maybe he’d finally realized she could fend for herself.

“And that was all?”

“Er—” Her aunt looked away. Immediately Elizabeth knew her assessment of her brother had been spot on.

Aunt Millie cleared her throat. “He might have mentioned it has been a while since he’d visited Frenton Hall and that he might come for a stay.”

There it was. Proof her brother had no faith in her. His impromptu trip to the country had nothing to do with visiting with an old friend—one he’d seen daily until a few days ago—and everything to do with making certain Elizabeth hadn’t gotten herself into some type of trouble.

She loved her brother dearly but there were two very important reasons she would do everything in her power to keep him away from Frenton Hall. If her brother appeared, he wouldn’t be able to resist taking control. He’d spent too much of his life ensuring her happiness. It wasn’t in his power to step aside and let her muddle through. And she wouldn’t be anywhere closer to proving she wasn’t the fragile child who lost her parents.

Secondly—and most importantly—it would be next to impossible to seduce a man into loving her with her brother watching her every step.

No, she would have to make sure Marcus remained in London.

And she knew just the person to help . . .

Emma.

Besides the slightly erroneous plan for Elizabeth to seduce Gabe that night in London, her friend had never failed her. If asked, Emma would do whatever she must to keep Marcus from leaving town.

Preoccupied, Elizabeth somehow managed to make it through dinner. As soon as was politely acceptable, she excused herself and escaped to her room.

Desiring nothing more than to crawl into bed and be alone with her thoughts, she promptly dismissed Jane. But not before penning a quick letter to Emma imploring her help. Entrusting it to Jane, Elizabeth discharged the woman with distinct instructions. It was imperative Emma receive the missive before Marcus departed London.

When finally faced with the silence of the room, Elizabeth found herself restless. Instead of retreating to the comfort of her bed, she turned to the window overlooking the garden and crawled into position on the window seat.

The evening darkness had already washed the garden in inky black, except where golden beams of light poured from the windows of the estate and pooled among the foliage. Elizabeth tucked her knees beneath her chin and fixed her gaze on the outline of one particularly gnarled bush sitting among the shadows.

After spending the afternoon pulling apart Gabe’s past, she had no answer as to how she could help him. He had spent the last several years living under the assumption he’d caused someone’s death. It wouldn’t be easy to change. But she refused to be discouraged. Even if he realized the man he could be, the man she
knew
him to be, and he still didn’t return her love, she wouldn’t regret it.

Gabe and his happiness meant everything to her. She felt her resolve strengthen. Once he overcame his past, he would be one step closer to becoming the kind of father Phoebe needed. The prospect alone would be worth any sacrifice on her part, even if it meant a future by herself.

Wrapped in her musing, she almost missed the dark movement at the back of the garden. Cloaked by the shadows, at first it appeared to be the sway of the trees. However, when the shadow shifted again, this time moving closer to the house, she distinguished a person’s form.

Straightening, she pressed her face closer to the window and watched as the shape continued to approach the house. When the figure stepped from a shadow into a stream of faint moonlight, she took in the individual’s size. By frame and height she figured a man prowled about. Despite the lateness of the day, it would not be odd for someone from the estate to be in the garden. But, as the stranger advanced, he appeared to be stalking toward the house, trying to stay within the shadows.

After years of studying Gabe, she knew the man below could not be him. The shoulders weren’t broad enough and Gabe was several inches taller. Unease trickled down her spine, shooting a chill through her body, the same instant she realized it might be an intruder. After the incident with Phoebe in the park, she wasn’t about to leave anything to chance.

Without stopping to think on it, she scrambled off the bench and grabbed her dressing gown, tossing it over her shoulders. She flung open the bedroom door but before stepping into the hall, snatched up the silver candle holder sitting on the bedside table. With the heavy metal piece clenched in her hand, on bare feet she raced through the hall, down the back stairs, and out the door that opened to the south side of the garden, all the while struggling to push her arms through her sleeves.

Her steps slowed when trepidation slipped past her impulse to protect. When had acting before thinking things through become commonplace for her?

Foolish or not, she wasn’t about to slink back into the house and hide. Odds were a burglar skulked outside, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be dangerous, especially to an innocent child like Phoebe.

Elizabeth ventured further from the house.
Oh, why hadn’t I called for help?
Perhaps she still could. Surely she was close enough to the house to rouse the staff. But that would mean alerting everyone in the house, and Phoebe had been through enough. Witnessing everyone’s heightened anxiety might cause the child to withdraw again.

Before she talked herself into retreating, she took an unsteady breath and continued on, trying to creep around and behind the man. If she caught him unawares she might be able to scare him off. Surely if he heard someone approaching, he’d flee. She had to at least try. The chill of the stone seeped into her bare feet and mixed with the cold dread already pulsing through her.

Ducking under limbs and around bushes, she continued to circle about. Perhaps the man hadn’t advanced far from where she’d seen him from the window. The further from the house she ventured, the darker the night became and the more she had to slow her steps, watchful not to stumble over an unseen obstacle.

Unfamiliar with the garden, the route she took might not be the correct one. Elizabeth paused, absorbing her surroundings, listening for any signs of the man. The night remained surprisingly quiet. Then again, it would have been nearly impossible to hear anything over the rush of her heart pounding in her ears.

She was about to proceed when a rustle beyond the bushes in front of her broke the silence, causing her heart to thump wildly. What had she been thinking? She had no way of knowing what awaited her on the other side of the foliage.

Too late to turn back, she gripped the candlestick so it wouldn’t slip, lifted it behind her head, and stepped forward—hoping any sound she made would scare him from the house. She made it to the clearing, but the space was empty.

Drat! He must have moved on. With no way of knowing if he’d gone closer to the house or run off, she kept going.

She didn’t take more than a step when she was suddenly jerked off her feet. The muscled forearm against her waist pushed the air from her lungs as his hot breath heated the side of her face. She struggled against his grasp, petrified of what he’d do. But the harder she wriggled, the more his arm tightened, until she could barely catch her breath. This wasn’t at all what she’d planned when she’d left the safety of her room.

“Cease,” he growled.

Not bloody likely.
Furious, she struggled anew. Yet no matter how she tried, she couldn’t break his hold.

The candlestick! She’d managed to retain her weapon. She brought her arm up with as much force as she could muster, aiming for the side of his head.

He’d somehow anticipated her move and easily caught the candlestick in his free hand, only to wrench it away and throw it to the ground.

With her only defense gone, panic set in. Left with nothing else, she began to kick out with her feet.

“Settle. I don’t want to hurt you,” he grumbled into her ear as he wrapped his other arm around her and began to pull her into the darkness, away from the house.

With each step he took, the salvation of the house and its occupants receded. Through her fear she found her voice, but a yelp was all she got out before he clamped a hand over her mouth. The lights of the house faded as he carried her away.

The prospect of never seeing Gabe or Phoebe again sent renewed strength through her. She lashed out with everything she had. The moment he lost the tight hold on her mouth, she sank her teeth into his fleshly palm.

“Damn!” he snarled as he pulled his hand away.

With him distracted, she twisted from his hold. Not stopping to see where he was, she turned and fled toward the house. She only managed a couple steps before she tripped. Caught off guard, she had no time to brace for the fall and her temple hit the ground, hard. The blow sent pain resonating through her head. Despite the dizziness consuming her, she struggled to her knees. He’d catch her if she didn’t keep moving.

Icy fingers curled around her ankle, hindering her efforts.

“No!” She cried as she fought to break his hold.

As the pain in her head grew stronger, her arms and legs felt heavy, making it impossible to move them. Her meager fight was getting her nowhere.

Just as she thought herself doomed, his hand released her leg. Her mind ordered her to flee, but she was powerless to move. The pounding in her head now deafening, waves of nausea engulfed her.