Too Hot For A Rake (7 page)

“Oooh, milady! We’re done for!” Amy moaned.

“Stop that whimpering, you silly chit. Casper and Rabu will protect us. It’s their duty. Quick! We must prepare ourselves. What can we use if they fail? No, no. Don’t look so alarmed and don’t you dare start wailing. Let’s search the carriage. There must be something here we can…”

A loud shot reached their ears. Amy jumped closer to her mistress. “They…they’ve murdered Casper.”

“Stop it this instant,” said Helena, exasperated, yet frightened in spite of her admonition. She pushed her abigail to the floor. “Stay right there. Don’t move unless you hear me scream. Then get out and run as fast as you can and find help.”

Helena cracked the door open just enough to slide down to the ground. She crept quietly toward the direction of the rifle shot. Her eyes flew open at the sight of Casper struggling with one of the masked men while the other held his bleeding leg and groaned. Rabu stood frozen at the side of the road, all resolve to fight now lost. Casper’s rifle lay on the ground near the figure of a third man lying face down, not moving at all.

She tore her eyes away from him and concentrated on the immediate danger. Rabu was no help and Casper appeared to be losing the struggle. The man with the bleeding leg was trying to inch his way toward the fallen rifle. She found a sturdy branch lying nearby, gripped it with both hands and rushed into the fray.

“Stop, thief! We’ll have no more of this nonsense!” The startled thug let go of Casper and turned to see where the voice was coming from, giving Casper time to thrust him off.

“Smith! Watch yer back!” screamed his accomplice. He reached for the rifle just as Helena ran to him and kicked it out of reach. She dropped the branch, picked up the rifle and aimed it at the man called Smith, never taking her eyes off his wounded partner.

“Casper, can you find something to bind these two brutes with? Rabu and I will stand watch until you return.” She turned to Smith and added, “I also have you in my sight. I’m an excellent shot, my man.”

Rabu came to his senses and joined her, a look of fearlessness on his face despite his shaking knees.

“Right and tight, milady.” Casper stood up and brushed himself off. “Can you two hold them until I return, milady?”

“Of course.”

“Yes, sah!” said Rabu, recovered from fright.

The wounded man snorted. “Women don’ know how to shoot and that little man is worthless.”

“Shut up, Isley. Don’t set ’em off. I don’t fancy me death.”

Helena let out a harsh laugh. “Try me, Isley. Move one muscle and I’ll shoot the other leg. Lie down, Smith.”

“All right, miss.” The man lay flat on his back and crossed his arms over his chest as if already dead.

“You too, Isley. On your back next to your friend. No. Not that close. Just close enough so we can watch you both. That’s right. Now fold your arms over your chest and don’t move.”

“Can ye let us go just this once, your la’ship? We never done this ’afore, but there’s no honest work to be had and…and we have families to feed,” Smith whined.

Helena didn’t take her eyes off either highwayman. “You should have thought of that before you murdered that poor gentleman lying over there.”

“He ain’t dead, miss. Just stunned-like. Go see fer yerself.”

“Not on your life, you glib-tongued thief. I’ll see to him once you’re both safely bound. If he’s dead, heaven help you. You’ll both hang for it.”

Casper returned with Amy in tow. “Got the rope, milady. We’re gonna tie ’em up. Give us a hand, Rabu.”

“All right, but be quick about it,” Helena said. “Tie them each to a separate tree. And be sure to tie them tight, so they can’t run away. We’ll ride ahead to Bodmin. We’re staying at the Pig and Whistle, an inn I know well. The landlord will summon the constable to fetch these two. If that poor man lying over there is still alive, we’ll have to take him with us. The innkeeper will send for a doctor.”

Helena watched Casper and Rabu roll Isley over and tie his hands behind his back while Amy secured his feet. “Ow,” cried Isley. “Watch me wounded leg.”

“And whose fault is that, lad? You only got what you deserved. Be thankful you’re still alive,” lectured Amy as she helped Casper and Rabu. They dragged him to a tree, where they sat him up and bound him securely.

Smith made as if to move. “Ladies don’t know how to shoot,” he snarled.

Helena lifted the rifle. “Care to test my skill? As you wish, but be prepared. I may be a bit rusty. I might miss your leg and blow your head off instead. Go ahead, you cur. Make one move and we’ll see if I can shoot.” She raised the rifle higher and glued one eye to its sight once more.

“Don’t bother to shoot him, milady. We’re ready for him,” said Casper cheerfully as he and Rabu rolled Smith over. “Tie his legs tight, Amy. Just like we did t’other one.”

When Smith was securely tied to a tree, Helena handed Casper the rifle and raced to the poor gentleman lying on the side of the road. Face down, the victim was covered with clumps of leaves. She brushed aside some of the debris.

“Merciful heavens!” she cried. “It’s Lord Waverley!”

The earth began to spin and she fainted.

Saturday, the Eleventh of April, 1818

Helena woke in confusion early in the evening. “Where are we?”

“Casper followed your instructions, milady. We went on to Bodmin like you said. We’re at the Pig and Whistle Inn. How are you feeling?”

A mere stone’s throw from Bodmin Castle.
With a pang of homesickness, she recalled that old Tremayne’s relatives were occupying the family castle for the wedding of his grandson.

She shook off her melancholy and rose up on her elbows. “I’m fine, Amy. Tell me what happened. I don’t remember anything past discovering Lord Waverley lying in the ditch.”

“You fainted, milady. Casper and me, we carried you back to the carriage. We left Rabu to watch over his lordship. I stayed with you while Casper went back and helped Rabu carry his lordship to our coach.”

“Is he all right?”

“Casper’s fine, milady.”

“No, you ninny. I mean the marquis.”

“His lordship’s got a big bump on his head is all—not the one I give him, but a new one. Doctor says no bones are broke.”

“And the highwaymen? Have they been arrested?”

“People came running when they heard that first shot. A farmer and some of his friends are seein’ to them, milady. He took them to his barn. They’ll keep till morning for the constable, he promised.”

Helena attempted to rise, but Amy stopped her. “No, milady. Doctor said you need rest.”

“All right, but only until I feel able to rise.”

Amy clasped her hands and beamed at her with smug satisfaction.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Imagine a lady like you knowin’ how to shoot a rifle. Ready to kill those highwaymen if they so much as moved. I was that proud, I was. Where’d you learn to shoot, milady?”

Helena tried to laugh, but it made her head ache. “I’ve never fired a shot in my life. I feel much better, dear. Help me dress. I want to visit Lord Waverley.”

The abigail, determined not to allow her mistress to enter a gentleman’s chamber without a chaperone, insisted on accompanying her. They found his lordship sitting up, being fed soup by Rabu.

Waverley grinned when Helena entered. “Good morning, fearless heroine. My deepest thanks to you for saving my life. Casper informs me you are an excellent markswoman.”

There wasn’t a hint of sarcasm in his voice, which caused her to blush. “How are you feeling, my lord?”

“Lucky to be alive. Have you had your dinner?” When she shook her head, he turned to his valet. “Take this horrid gruel away and bring us a proper dinner. And don’t forget the wine. Her ladyship and I are sorely in need of some.” He dismissed Rabu with a flick of his hand.

“Rabu, the giggler,” she remarked wryly.” Have you ever heard him giggle when he is hysterical?”

“I haven’t had that pleasure. What does a hysterical giggle sound like?”

She thought a moment. “It sounds something like a cross between threatening sobs of fright and frenzied laughter.”

“I see. Only God knows why he giggles.” His eyes searched hers. “Who taught you to handle a rifle so well?”

“I’ve never so much as held a rifle in my hands until yesterday morning. Truth be known, I was even more terrified than my victims. Thank heavens they didn’t press me to demonstrate my skills.”

He began to laugh but held his head from the pain it caused him. “Oh. Oh. Oh. It hurts to laugh, but that is capital. Capital! Common highwaymen thwarted by a hoax! When I tell…”

Helena placed her hands on her hips. “Don’t you dare spread this about, you cad!” But his infectious grin captivated her and she grinned as well.

Waverley made a face when Amy poked her head into his chamber. “Go away, lass. I’ve already had my knock on the head for the day, thank you.”

Helena added, “Do go away, Amy. Do as you’re bid. You needn’t guard me against Lord Waverley.”

“Yes, milady. If you’re sure, milady…”

“I give you my word I’ll behave like a gentleman, lass,” said the marquis, bestowing a winning smile upon her. “I have no intention of giving you cause to thump me again.”

When Amy withdrew, he said, “Give me your hand, intrepid Helena. What a brave girl you are.” He held her hand and stroked it.

“No nonsense, Waverley. You promised Amy.”

He lay back on his pillow and closed his eyes. “Indeed I did, but if the wish were the deed…” His look was thoughtful. “Had you ever seen those two men before?”

“No, of course not. What made you ask?”

“I can’t help but wonder what two footpads from London would be doing posing as highwaymen so far from home.”

“Why do you think they’re from London?”

“I recognized their accent at once. They’re London footpads all right. No doubt about it.”

Rabu entered with a tray, and conversation ceased while the valet set a small table before Helena.

“Set it in front of the fireplace, Rabu. I prefer to dine with her ladyship there. When you have done as I bid you, help me into my dressing gown.”

“Are you sure you’re well enough to rise from your bed, Desmond?”

The sound of his name on her lips gave him a stab of pleasure. “I give you my word, ma’am.”

Helena didn’t wait for Rabu to finish his task. Instead, she found Waverley’s dressing gown lying at the foot of his bed. “I’ll help you, sir.”

“No, no, meestress!” shrieked Rabu. “I must do for mastah.” The cutlery he held clattered on the table. He raced to her side and wrested the robe from her hand.

Amused, Waverley came to his valet’s rescue at once. “Make my life easy, I beg of you, ma’am. Allow Rabu to have his way. If he is prevented from performing a task he considers his own, he makes my life difficult by sulking for weeks.”

“I understand. Sorry, Rabu.” She handed him the dressing gown and did her best to keep a straight face. She turned away and took a seat at the table.

“Serve us before you leave the room, Rabu.”

The valet looked crestfallen as he filled their plates. “So sorry, mastah.” He giggled, but his heart wasn’t in it.

Waverley put down his fork after the first bite when he noticed Rabu lingering. “Out!” His valet nearly tripped in his haste to depart.

“He means well, poor fellow. I shan’t vex him again, I promise you.”

“My cross to bear.” He filled their glasses with wine. “We’re one day away from Waverley Castle.”

“That should please you.”

“Indeed. I’m pleased, but I’m also apprehensive. I haven’t been home in twelve years. I was so pleased when I learned that my grandmother was still alive. Will she recognize me after all these years? The thought haunts me.”

“Did you not communicate with her?”

“No. I wrote to her several times when I reached India, but she never acknowledged my letters. I wrote to my father as well, with the same result.”

Which means he was convinced his family didn’t care about him, poor man.
“Are you the only child in your family?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.”

“How unfortunate. I miss my family, especially my sister Olivia. She is the wife of Sebastian Brooks.”

“So he said. You’re all close?”

“Oh, yes. We squabble amongst ourselves, but when it comes to trouble, we meet it as one. You met them all when we left London.”

“I can’t recall, for the meeting was all too brief. Perhaps another time.”

“My sister Georgiana will celebrate her debut in June. Will you come?”

“I’d be happy to attend.” His fork fell onto his plate and he closed his eyes. “Your company is most welcome, ma’am, but I fear I need rest far more than food.”

Alarmed by his ashen pallor, Helena rose quickly. “You must do so by all means.” She opened the door to call for Rabu only to find him standing outside. “Your master needs to rest. Look after him. I’ll send someone to clear the remains of our dinner.” She waited while the valet helped Waverley to his bed and settled him in.

Before she left the room, she patted his hand. “Sleep well, Desmond.”

She used my name again. A good sign.
“We’re on more comfortable terms, aren’t we?” He covered her hand with his. “I need your friendship, Helena. Have I earned that right?”

Her heart gladdened for the kindness in his tone. “Yes, of course. I desire that as well. You ought to rest now. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I am persuaded I shall be well enough to continue our journey tomorrow morning. Good night, sweet Helena.” He closed his eyes before she could raise any objection to his use of her name.

She found Amy and directed her to send someone to remove the dinner tray from his lordship’s chamber.

“Where are you going, milady?”

“Have you seen my journal? I can’t find it.”

“No, milady.”

“Search the room while I’m gone.” She went downstairs to the stable where her horses, her chaise and her driver were quartered. “Casper? I need to search the carriage for something.”

“What is it, my lady? Perhaps I can help.”

“Nothing of great value to anyone but me. It’s my journal. It has a black leather cover and two ties that secure it. The contents of our bags flew all over the carriage when you were forced to stop so abruptly yesterday.”

The two searched for it but the volume was nowhere to be found.

“Thank you, Casper. Never mind. His lordship wishes to leave in the morning, assuming he is well enough to continue the journey.”

Waverley woke at dawn, but lay with his eyes closed until Rabu’s snores assured him he would not wake. He turned up the wick, reached under his pillow, and found the journal he’d taken from the chaise when Helena and Amy thought he was still in a swoon.

He untied the ribbons and read the last page. To his astonishment, Helena’s deepest thoughts were all about him.

Waverley closed the journal and retied it, feeling like a cad for invading her innermost thoughts. He’d have to put it back into the carriage before she missed it. He turned the wick down and dressed without waking his valet. He closed the chamber door after him and crept downstairs, boots in hand. No one was witness. Good. He pulled his boots on out of doors and made his way to the stable behind the inn.

He was in luck. The carriage window was open a crack. He dropped the diary into the cab. The door to the stall creaked when he led his horse out, but his good fortune held. No one stirred. He saddled his horse and led the handsome chestnut away from the inn, feeding him lumps of sugar to keep him from snorting. Once past the gate, he mounted, gripped the reins and rode off at his usual pace.

Helena crawled out from under the bed and sat back on her heels, her traveling gown covered with dust. She brushed at it impatiently. “I’ve searched everywhere. And I still can’t find my journal.”

“It must be here somewhere, my lady.” Amy pulled her from the floor and took over brushing away the rest of the dirt. “If you ask me, they need to hire a better chambermaid.”

“Indeed,” said Helena, distracted. She searched the room one more time as she reviewed the events of the day before, trying to remember the last time she’d seen it. She began to pace as Amy returned to packing her clothes. She had been writing in it when they came across the highwaymen. She couldn’t recall seeing it afterward. Of course, her memory was a bit sketchy since she had been terrified at the time. “Oh, well. Perhaps it fell out of the carriage in all the excitement.”

“Mayhap,” agreed Amy, her hands about to fold a green sprig muslin morning gown away. “You can always purchase a new one, milady.” She shook out the dress and began to fold its skirt.

“Yes.” Helena imagined her journal lying torn and horse-trodden in the road, possibly destroyed by a passing farm wagon. Exasperated, she felt like screaming.

“I’ll search the carriage for it once more just as soon as I finish packing, milady.” Amy folded another gown and placed it carefully into her mistress’ valise.

“Take your time,” said Helena. “I’ll have a look in on Lord Waverley.” She walked through her door into the hallway and broke into a more hurried step, slowing down only when she came across the chambermaid on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. Holding her skirts off the muddied boards, Helena squeezed past her. She dropped them again and hurried across toward Waverley’s room.

The door was open and the bed made. Indignant, she turned and stomped downstairs only to confront the landlord headed for the breakfast room carrying a tray of covered dishes.

“Don’t tell me Lord Waverley’s already come down for his breakfast? Really, he doesn’t show the least ounce of sense. He needs more time to recuperate.”

“But milady…”

“Tell the marquis that I insist he return to his bed. Do as I say.”

“But…”

“Now, Landlord. If you please.”

“The gentleman’s gone out riding, your la’ship.”

“He left the inn and you didn’t stop him? You knew Lord Waverley was not well.”

The landlord shrugged uneasily. “I never saw him leave, your la’ship.”

“Stubborn man! I don’t suppose you could have stopped him even if you tried.”

“No, milady.”

“No matter. I shall depart after breakfast.”

The landlord nodded, relieved that she was no longer angry with him. It wouldn’t do to upset the Quality. He handed the tray to a waiter and hurried away to prepare his bill.

What two kinds of fool was she, Helena wondered, angry with herself.
What’s Waverley up to? Doesn’t matter. I can very well reach my destination without his help. I don’t want his help. I don’t need it.
Yet her heart told her otherwise.