The Handmaiden's Necklace (26 page)

As the minutes slipped past and the heat of Rafe’s body warmed her, she finally fell asleep, but it was a restless, fitful slumber. When an odd smell filled her nostrils, beginning to slowly penetrate her consciousness, when her eyes began to burn, she jerked awake.

For an instant, she imagined that she still dreamed, that the flickering yellow light trailing along the fringe of carpet, the orange-and-yellow flames licking up the draperies, wasn’t actually real.

Then she took a deep breath and started coughing and bolted upright in the bed. “Wake up, Rafael, the room is on fire!”

Madly, she tugged on his shoulder. “Rafe, wake up! We have to get out of here!”

He stirred groggily and she realized how deeply he had been asleep. If it weren’t for her restlessness, likely both of them would have been overcome by the smoke and never awakened again.

“What is it?” He glanced round the room. “Sweet Jesus!” Wide-awake now, he leapt from the bed, tossed over her quilted wrapper, and pulled on his burgundy dressing gown. “We have to get out of here now!”

Taking her hand, he moved in front of her toward the door. Half of the carpet was on fire and the walls blazed steadily upward. Expecting to find the entire house engulfed in flames, she was stunned when he yanked open the door to see that the fire raged only in their bedchamber.

“Fire!” Rafe shouted down the hall. “Fire in the house!”

Third-floor doors burst open and servants began racing about, shouting and yelling orders, scrambling down the stairs to the second floor. Two doors down from the duke’s suite of rooms, in the bedchamber next to Danielle’s, Caro raced out in her robe and slippers. Loose strands of her hair had come loose from her braid and curled round her face, and her blue eyes were round as platters.

“What is it?” She glanced past them through the open doorway, saw the orange-red lick of flames just before Rafe slammed the door. “Oh, my Lord!”

“Let’s go!” Rafe commanded, urging both women toward the stairs. He hurried them down the staircase and out
through the French doors leading into the garden. “You’ll be safe out here. Stay here until this is over.”

“Wait!” Dani called after him, but Rafe was already racing back to the house, shouting orders to the footmen to double the efforts of the bucket brigade, running back through the French doors out of sight.

“We have to help,” Dani said, fear making her voice a little high.

“I can lift a bucket as well as anyone,” Caro said, and both of them started running.

Wooden buckets were filled and passed hand over hand down a line of servants that disappeared inside the house. From where she stood in the garden, helping to pass the heavy buckets down the line, Dani could see the upper floors of the house, see the flames licking out the window-sills of the master’s suite.

She gasped as several of the wavy glass panes shattered from the heat. An instant later, she recognized Rafe’s tall figure standing inside the room, dousing the chamber with water, working next to Mr. Cooney, the footman, and Mr. Mullens, the coachman, and it looked as if they were making a good deal of progress.

Her back was aching, her quilted wrapper soggy and clinging to her body, which was naked beneath her robe, when Rafe walked back out into the garden. He was covered with soot, his face blackened, his hair mussed, several dark strands hanging over his forehead.

“It’s out,” he said to the group working at the fountain. “We managed to get the fire under control before it could spread through the rest of the house. Thank you all for your help.”

Dani sagged with relief. “Thank God.” Rafe’s blue eyes zeroed in on her water-soaked apparel.

“I thought I told you to stay out of the way where you would be safe.”

“I was scarcely in any danger out here. I am not an invalid,
Your Grace,
and I had every right to help save my own home.”

Something moved across his features and his hard look softened. “I apologize. As you say, you have every right to help save your own home.”

For an instant their eyes met and held. For all the dirt and soot, Dani thought the Duke of Sheffield was the handsomest man in England.

She glanced away, embarrassed by her thoughts. “What happened up there? Could you tell how the fire got started?”

Rafe’s jaw tightened, deepening the cleft in his chin. “There was lamp oil on the carpet. It had also been poured on the draperies.”

Her eyes widened. “The fire was started on purpose?”

“I’m sorry to say so, yes.”

“Oh, dear God.”

Caro made a funny sound in her throat. “He is trying to kill you both!”

“Come, let’s go inside,” Rafe said. “There is no need to overset the servants.”

But the staff was already frantic and Dani’s insides were churning. Twice someone had tried to kill her.

She flicked a glance at her husband. Tonight, Rafe had come even closer to death than she.

At least one thing was clear and her heart expanded with relief. Whoever had tried to kill her, she knew now for certain it was
not
her husband.

R
afe escorted the women back inside the house. With his bedchamber destroyed, the hall carpets wet and muddy, and the smell of smoke pervading the air, there would be no sleeping in the west wing of the residence. He had ordered the entire wing closed down and the chambermaids set to work preparing adjoining rooms in the east wing for his and Danielle’s use, as well as a bedchamber for Caro.

Eventually, the house grew quiet as everyone retired once more to bed. It was late, only a few more hours until dawn. Rafe lay next to Danielle, his mind running again and again over the list of people who might want him dead. Or perhaps, as Caro had said, might want both of them dead.

“How do you think the man who started the fire got into the house?” Danielle turned onto her side to look at him.

“I thought you were sleeping.”

“I knew you were not. I don’t think either of us is going to get any more sleep tonight.”

“No, I don’t suppose we are.”

“So how do you think he got in?”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps he came in through a window, as Robert did the night he came to see Caro. More likely, someone let him in.”

“That is what I was thinking. Several weeks ago, the housekeeper hired a new chambermaid. In fact, several new female employees have lately been added to the staff. Perhaps it is one of them.”

“Why don’t you speak to Mrs. Whitley, see what she can tell you about them?”

“That is a very good notion.”

“In the meantime, there are several hours until dawn and both of us could use some sleep. I think I may know a way to make that happen.” Rafe leaned over Danielle and kissed her. She had the sweetest, softest lips, and he loved the way they seemed to sink into his. Dani kissed him back and his body hardened.

In minutes, he was inside her, the two of them moving in perfect rhythm. They reached release together, a fierce climax that tightened every muscle in his body.

As he lay back down on the deep feather mattress, sated and content, he curled Danielle against his side. He listened as her breathing deepened and she drifted into an exhausted slumber.

Rafe wished he could rest as well, but even as tired as he was, he was too worried to sleep.

Danielle rose early the following morning. Her muscles ached from lifting the heavy buckets last night, and with all of the commotion, she had gotten only a few short hours of sleep before it was time to face the day ahead.

She dressed herself, hoping to give Caro a few badly
needed hours of rest, clipped her hair back on the sides with tortoiseshell combs and headed out into the hall. A commotion in the entry drew her attention.

At the bottom of the stairs, she spotted the Dowager Duchess of Sheffield, tall, dark hair sprinkled with silver, and still extremely attractive. She was speaking rather loudly to her son.

“How could you not have sent word? Your wife is nearly killed in a carriage accident and you do not think to tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“And am I also not to worry when I arrive at your home and discover that someone has set your bedchamber on fire?”

He scowled. “How do you know about that?”

“To begin with, the entire place smells dreadfully of smoke, and even if it didn’t, there is little that happens in this household of which I am not aware. Where is Danielle?”

“I am here, Your Grace.”

The dowager turned, surveyed her with shrewd blue eyes. “How are you feeling? And do not say you are fine. I don’t imagine you got much rest last night. Instead of standing here talking, you should be upstairs in bed, getting some obviously needed sleep.”

Dani wasn’t sure if her mother-in-law was concerned for her health or just worried that her lack of rest might somehow affect her ability to produce an heir. “I promise to nap this afternoon. Aside from being a little sleepy, I truly am fine.”

The dowager returned her attention to Rafe. “And you!
You should be hiring men to protect you and your wife. Someone is making attempts on your lives and you have taken no steps to protect yourselves.”

“Actually, I have, Mother. I’ve hired a man named Samuel Yarmouth to investigate the matter. Today, I’ll ask Yarmouth to hire men he deems trustworthy to stand guard outside the house. I’ll put them to work round the clock. There. Now do you feel better?”

She harrumphed. “It is probably that good-for-nothing cousin of yours, Artie Bartholomew. He would certainly have the most to gain from your demise.”

Rafe frowned. He glanced up and down the hall to see who might be listening to their conversation. “I don’t think we should be airing the family laundry here in the entry, Mother. Why don’t we all go into the drawing room where we may be private?”

The duchess lifted her chin and marched ahead of them into the nearest drawing room, then waited for Rafe to close the heavy sliding doors. He walked over to where she sat on the brocade sofa while Dani sat down in a chair not far away.

“Whatever else you have to say, Mother, now is the time to say it. Once we are finished, I need to see Yarmouth and set plans into motion, and Danielle needs to interview the housekeeper, Mrs. Whitley, in regard to the newly hired help.”

“Indeed,” the dark-haired woman said. She flicked a surreptitious glance at Dani, then looked back at Rafe. “Perhaps you should go ahead and leave. Danielle and I can discuss the matter in greater detail and do a bit of catching up while you are gone.”

Rafe just nodded. “All right. I’ll leave you to it, then. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Be careful, Rafael,” Dani said, and received a tender smile for her concern.

“You do the same.” And then he was gone and she was left alone with her mother-in-law. Dani knew exactly the topic the woman wished to discuss and dread swept through her.

She wasn’t yet with child, and she never would be.

Dani pasted on a smile and turned to face the woman who, if she discovered the truth, would surely be among those who also might wish her dead.

It was the middle of the night. Rafe had been sleeping, though fitfully, when the butler’s familiar sharp rap at the door awakened him. Worried at what might have occurred, he threw back the covers, grabbed his dressing gown and hurried for the door.

“What is it, Wooster?”

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Grace, but Mr. McPhee is downstairs. He is in company with two other men, one of whom is a rather unsavory-looking character. Mr. McPhee says it is urgent he speak to you as soon as possible.”

Dani walked up behind him. “What is it, Rafael?”

“Jonas is here. I think he may have uncovered something important.” Rafe hurriedly pulled on his breeches and a clean white shirt. “Stay here. I’ll be back in a minute.”

He left Danielle standing at the door of the bedchamber, but before he had reached his study, he spotted her racing toward him down the stairs. Whispering a silent curse and knowing he should have guessed she would disobey his wishes, he waited for her to catch up with him.

“Don’t say a word, Rafael. This is my concern as well as yours.”

He clamped down on his temper, as it was most certainly true. “Very well, then.” Taking her arm, he led her down the hall in her simple dove-gray skirt and white cotton blouse. Her thick braid of hair swished against her back with every step and he caught a glimpse of her bare feet beneath the hem of her skirt. He almost smiled at how young she looked, how much like the red-haired girl, so long ago, that he had fallen in love with.

His chest tightened. He had loved her once. He would be a fool to risk his heart again.

They walked into the study together and he found McPhee standing over a man with his hands tied behind his back. The man standing next to them was none other than Robert McKay.

“Good evening, Your Graces,” Jonas said. “I am sorry to disturb you, but this is a matter that cannot wait.”

“I appreciate your coming.”

“Good evening, Robert,” Danielle said.

“A pleasure as always, Duchess. And it would seem I am once more in your and your husband’s debt.”

Rafe fixed him with a stare. “And how, exactly, is that?”

Robert cast a look at the runner. “If it weren’t for your friend’s timely arrival, there is every chance I would be dead.”

Robert went on to explain how Jonas McPhee had come to his East End garret above the Dove and been watching his movements.

“Which was fortunate for Mr. McKay,” Jonas added. He tipped his head toward the man whose hands were bound.
“This man’s name is Albert Sweeney. When I overheard him asking the tavern keep about McKay, paying the man to tell him which room McKay occupied, I followed him. He picked the lock and went inside, and when I stepped in behind him, it was obvious his intention was murder.”

“And it wouldn’t have been the first,” Robert said.

“That is correct,” Jonas confirmed. “After the man was apprehended, McKay and I had a chat with him.”

The sort of
chat
was more than apparent. One of Sweeney’s eyes was nearly swollen shut, his lip split and bleeding, and his clothes spattered with blood.

“What sort of information did you uncover?” Rafe asked.

“Arthur Sweeney was paid to kill the Earl of Leighton,” Jonas told him bluntly.

Dani’s eyes widened. “He said that? He admitted to the murder?”

“It took a bit of persuasion,” Jonas continued, “and a promise that the Duke of Sheffield would intercede on his behalf should he help us catch the men who hired him.”

Rafe nodded his concurrence. “Who was it?”

“A fellow named Burton Webster. I’m hoping to prove Webster works for Clifford Nash.”

Rafe could feel Dani’s excitement as her fingers tightened around his arm. “This is wonderful news.”

Sweeney swore an oath and McPhee slammed him up against the wall. “Keep a civil tongue in your head. You’re in the presence of a lady.”

“I’ll talk to Webster,” Robert said. “Maybe he’ll cooperate if he thinks it might go easier for him with the authorities.”

“Let me handle it,” McPhee said. “Webster was also the
man who hired Sweeney to kill you. Which means Nash must know you’re in England. As long as you’re alive, you’re a threat to him and your life is in danger.”

“Jonas is right,” Rafe said. “You need to let him handle it.” He turned to the runner. “Is there anything you need me to do?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Let me know if there is.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. If that is all, I shall take my leave. I need to turn our friend, here, over to the authorities.”

Jonas left the house, taking his prisoner with him, and Rafe turned his attention to Robert McKay. “You may stay here, Robert, until this matter is completely resolved.”

Robert looked uncertain. “It might take a while. Even if Sweeney confesses, he may not be believed. My name won’t be completely cleared until Webster and Nash are brought to justice.”

“You’re probably right. Still, you’re far closer to gaining your freedom than you were before, and you are welcome to stay.”

Robert nodded solemnly. “All right, then. I owe you both so much. I shall never be able to repay you.”

“You owe us nothing, but there is a matter I would like to discuss.”

Robert’s head came up. “You are speaking of Caroline Loon.”

“That is correct. It would seem that Miss Loon has developed certain feelings for you. It is unclear what feelings you carry for her.”

“I love her,” Robert said simply.

“That is all well and good, but should you win your free
dom, you will also inherit an earldom. Miss Loon is only a lady’s maid.”

“I wouldn’t care if she were a chimney sweep. I love her. I want to marry her.”

Rafe could almost feel Dani’s heart beating. She stepped forward and took hold of Robert’s hand. “I was right about you, Robert McKay. I knew when I watched the two of you together that you saw the same beauty in Caro that I did.”

“She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Dani smiled and let go of his hand, looking as happy as Rafe had ever seen her.

Robert glanced toward the door. “I know it’s the middle of the night, but is there any chance I could—”

Just then the knob turned and the door burst open. “Robert!”

“God save us from eavesdropping women,” Rafe grumbled, but he couldn’t keep from smiling as Robert strode toward the tall blond woman he loved and swept her into his arms.

For several long seconds he simply held her. Rafe made a motion to Dani that they should quietly leave, but before they had reached the door, Robert went down on one knee in front of Caro.

“I know this isn’t the proper time or place, but I don’t care. I love you desperately, Caroline Loon. Will you marry me?”

Caro’s blue eyes rounded in shock. “What are you saying? You cannot marry me. You are an earl!”

“I may be an earl, but I’m still a man and I love you. Say yes, Caro. Do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Caro turned huge, uncertain blue eyes to Dani. “I can’t marry him. It wouldn’t be fair—would it?”

“It wouldn’t be fair to leave him with a broken heart.” Dani grinned. “And I think you would make a wonderful countess. Just think, you already know exactly the right clothes to wear.”

Caro laughed through the tears spilling onto her cheeks and turned back to the man still kneeling on the floor. “I love you, too, Robert McKay, and if it is truly your wish, I would be honored to marry you.”

Robert made a sound of sheer joy, rose and swept her into his arms.

Rafe led Dani out of the study and pretended not to notice that she was crying, too.

“I’m so happy for them,” Dani said.

“This isn’t over yet, you know. There are still some rough spots ahead and a chance that something yet might go wrong.”

“I know. I only pray that it does not. Caro deserves to be happy and with Robert she will be.” As they climbed the stairs to their bedchamber, an odd thought occurred. “You know, for a brief period of time, Robert owned the necklace. I gave it to him myself, remember?”

Rafe chuckled. “You don’t believe they are together because of the necklace?”

“Well, I think his heart is very pure, don’t you?”