Czytaj książkę: «The Viscount»
“Why do I frighten you, Lily?”
She shook her head vehemently, appalled at her cowardice. “You don’t!”
He was her husband, after all. It wasn’t as though he would hurt her in any way. It was herself she feared, what she might become if she let herself respond fully. “I told you I’m not afraid of you.”
His chuckle was wry. “Well, darling, you scare the hell out of me.”
Surprised, her train of thought lost, she turned to face him. “I do?”
He nodded, one side of his mouth kicking up in a half smile. “Indeed. You are so different from any woman I have ever known.” He trailed one finger up her arm to her shoulder. “So very different.”
Lily closed her eyes and sighed. “I don’t know what you want.”
“Yes, you do. I want all of you, Lily. Everything within you. Everything you are!”
Praise for Lyn Stone’s recent titles
The Scot
“A delightful tale of a young woman determined to have freedom within her marriage, if not under the law.”
—Romantic Times
The Highland Wife
“Laced with lovable characters, witty dialogue, humor and poignancy, this is a tale to savor.”
—Romantic Times
Bride of Trouville
“I could not stop reading this one…. Don’t miss this winner!”
—Affaire de Coeur
The Knight’s Bride
“Stone has done herself proud with this delightful story…a cast of endearing characters and a fresh, innovative plot.”
—Publishers Weekly
The Viscount
Lyn Stone
This book is for Mary Ann Caissie, a friend I treasure.
Thanks for sharing good times and bad, kiddo.
Your smile and optimism are priceless.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Epilogue
Chapter One
London—April 1859
L ily Bradshaw quickly rolled off the bed and bunched up the heavy blanket so it would appear that she lay there sleeping if anyone looked in. Then she crept over and huddled beside the locked door. There was no other place to hide. And then, not for long.
“Has she awakened?” a voice rasped. Though obviously intended as a whisper, it almost boomed within the near silence.
“I expect it will be a while, considering,” came the smooth, untroubled reply, hardly even muted below a normal conversational tone.
Lily had been awake for nearly an hour by her reckoning. She had lain, clutching at the scratchy blanket, frozen with fear as her eyes grew accustomed to the meager light from the small barred window set high in the door. The cell reeked of urine and despair. And it was cold. Very cold. She shivered now and deliberately slowed her breathing, knowing she could not afford panic.
“Is she in there alone?” A shadow blocked light for a few seconds as if someone peered inside, gave up the attempt to see anything and then moved away.
“Yes. We isolate new arrivals here until they can be examined and placed in the proper ward. No time for that yet, of course, since her admittance was an emergency of sorts. Would you care to see her?” Silky and dark, the tone was more frightening than that of the one growling the questions.
“Not necessary. You know what to do next?”
“Of course.” A short pause, then Silky Voice spoke again. “I will give her more of this laudanum tonight before she wakes completely. That will ensure she remains tractable. Then I will give her something stimulating to put her in top form for her examination. You have notified the proper authorities?”
“Word will be sent in the morning once I hear from you that all is in order here.”
“Excellent.”
Lily shivered and covered her mouth to stifle a whimper of terror. She was not precisely sure who her examiners were supposed to be, but from the howls and screams echoing through the walls and floors this past hour, she could make a ready guess. Someone had locked her in a madhouse and was planning to prove her insane.
Her next thought was of Beau. What had they done with her son? Surely he still remained safe at Sylvana Hall. Safe with his nurse, playing with his toys, reading his primer and doing his sums. No one had any reason whatsoever to harm a small lad of seven. But then, no one had reason to put her in an asylum, either. Or had they?
Suddenly as that, common sense caught up with her and she realized precisely who would benefit. With her declared insane, her husband’s brother Clive would gain control of both her son and his inheritance. And, as his uncle and only male relative, nothing would stand between Clive and the title. Except for the little boy who held it now.
Jonathan had died two years ago. Had Clive been waiting for enough time to pass after Jonathan’s death so that he wouldn’t rouse suspicion? Perhaps his own funds had run out. Or maybe greed had simply overcame him.
She could not say for certain whether the man with that growling whisper was her brother-in-law, but it was possible…even probable. Who else could it be?
No sooner had she thought it than she heard the voice again. “Suppose she is lucid when they arrive. In their view, two brief episodes of hysteria might not qualify as insanity and warrant…this.”
“Not to worry. She will convince them.” Lily could hear a smile in the other man’s assurance. “But we should move her immediately to Plympton’s after you obtain the writ for her committal.”
“Why not simply leave her here in London?”
She was in London? How in the world had she gotten here?
“Plympton is privately run, of course,” said Silky Voice, “and it will be easier to manage her care there than here in London. Safer, and certainly more convenient for me. I shall have the earl to deal with, as well, if all goes as planned.”
A nasty scoff. “That old lunatic? Duquesne should have put him away years ago instead of keeping him at home. So you’re to be one of his attendants?”
Silky Voice again. “Assuming Lord Duquesne hires me, which I’m certain he will. I hear he’s desperate for another caretaker. My interview with the viscount takes place tomorrow at nine and I have letters of referral. I shouldn’t think he’d be too particular, and even if he is, I am well qualified.”
“Just be certain you’re here when she is examined. I warn you, muck this up and you will not be working anywhere, Brinks. Do I make myself clear? I want her taken care of.”
Silence.
Then one set of footsteps moved away until they became inaudible.
Lily’s heart drummed so loudly, she was afraid the man remaining—Brinks, was it?—on the other side of the portal could hear it thumping.
She had to get out. Now. Before her greedy brother-in-law arranged for her permanent incarceration. But where could she go? She hated London and never came here if she could avoid it. She knew virtually no one here.
But you do, a small voice whispered inside her head. And he helped you once before.
Lily shook her head at the ridiculous thought. The only reason he even came to mind was the mention of his name just now. Viscount Duquesne had his own troubles. Why should he do anything for her?
Though they hailed from the same county, Lily had not seen the man in years, not since she was a child. Dark rumors concerning his shadowy dealings with society’s dregs, his apparent willingness to do anything—no matter how dangerous or outrageous—for a price, had rendered him a social pariah.
Even if that were not the case, his lack of fortune and his father’s illness would have put him beyond the pale. Not someone a lady approached for help. Duquesne was an outcast, so she had heard, living in an eyesore of a once-grand mansion on the fringe of Mayfair.
Even if she had firm promise of his assistance, how in the world could she escape this place? Though she was five feet, seven inches, tall for a woman, she doubted she possessed enough physical strength to overpower a man.
She shifted nervously and her boot heel scraped against the floor. Her breath hissed inward at the sound as she froze.
She remembered returning to the library at Sylvana Hall following her afternoon ride, removing her hat, accepting a sherry from Clive and sipping it. She disliked sherry, but his politeness had been so out of the ordinary, she had taken it. Thank God she had dashed most of it into the potted plant when he was looking out the window or she might still be unconscious. The cad must have drugged her.
If, indeed, it was Clive. The voice she’d heard was somewhat muted and teemed with an excitement Clive rarely exhibited. She simply could not be certain. Though they were far from close, she had always gotten on well enough with him, or so she thought.
Had she been brought here this afternoon? Yesterday? The day before? There were no windows opening to the outside, so there was no way to judge the time of day or night. She guessed night, since lamplight flickered through the bars in her door. But if there were no windows in that outer room, either, then it could be midday for all she knew. The bare cell was furnished with only a bed that was bolted to the wall and a small tin chamberpot. She glanced at the item now and decided it would be useless as a weapon.
Thank God they had not undressed her or removed her riding boots. One of those might work. The heels were substantial with their metal crescents tacked on to prevent wearing down of the heavy leather. She slipped the boots off, hefting one in her hand to test its weight.
She heard the footsteps of the second man. He was leaving, too! “Brinks? Oh, Mr. Brinks!” she called, drawing out his name, trying to sound distraught. Not much acting was required for that. “Could you come in?” Hopefully he would be curious as to how she had learned his name.
The sound of his departure halted immediately. Lily sensed him just on the other side of the door, listening.
She turned her face away when she spoke so he would not know she waited near it. She slurred her words. “I am so thirsty. I would do anything for a drink. Anything,” she added with a loud sigh. “I feel so tired. So…weak. Mmm.”
Long minutes passed. He hadn’t gone away. He must be considering the advisability of entering, or perhaps of administering more of the mixture that had rendered her unconscious. Come in. Come in. Now, before I lose my courage.
Her silent pleas were answered when she heard the rattle and snick of the key in the lock.
A head poked inside cautiously, then a shoulder. A hand holding a lamp.
Desperate, knowing he would soon discover that tangled blanket on the bed was not her person, Lily reached out, grabbed his hair and yanked him inside before he thought to resist. She kicked at his feet. They flew out from under him and he fell, sprawling forward with a loud grunt as he hit the floor. She struck immediately. The heavy heel of her boot cracked soundly against his temple and he lay still.
His lamp had crashed to the floor and fire leaped from the small puddle of fuel. She grabbed the blanket off the bed and tossed it over the blaze, relieved when it extinguished the flame. However, she was now in the dark again with only faint light emanating from the crack of the door that stood ajar and the small window in it.
She hurriedly ripped at the buttons on the front of her riding habit and shrugged off the jacket. Then she slipped out of her shirtwaist, skirt and petticoat. Might as well go the whole way, she thought, pulling off her chemise. Naked save for her stockings and garters, Lily began to strip the attendant of his clothing. Every stitch.
In what seemed ages and yet the blink of an eye, she managed to redress herself. His clothes fit her a bit loosely, but well enough. He was slight of build for a man, heavier than she was, though not significantly taller. His boots were too large, but she would have to make do with them since hers were obviously those of a woman. She stuffed her own silk stockings in the toes and pulled them on.
He began to stir then and she lifted her own boot, striking hard a second time before conscience could stop her. Why should she care if she hurt the wretch? Look what he’d had in mind for her!
Lily found his money and two letters. Those missives gave her an idea how she might approach Duquesne. Assuming she was successful in getting out of here.
Also, there were two small, stoppered bottles in his pocket. The elixirs that were meant for her? Neither was labeled. One smelled like laudanum. She parted his lips, firmly pinched his nose shut and poured the liquid from that one down his throat. All of it.
He swallowed, coughed and moaned only once. She looked at the other container, recalled what he had mentioned about it putting her in top form, and tucked it into a vest pocket.
After cursory notice of the money she discovered—scarcely enough to hire a hackney across town—she slipped his flat leather folder back into the inner pocket of the coat.
Searching hastily, she found the pocketknife that had clunked to the floor when she had undressed him. Anyone seeing her on the way out or later on the streets would instantly recognize her as a woman. She opened the blade of his knife and began to hack away her long locks without a thought to their loss other than relief.
When she felt her hair was short enough to augment her disguise, Lily gathered up the loose hair, bundled up her own clothing and then spread everything flat beneath the thin mattress so he wouldn’t find it immediately when he awoke. Left naked, he would probably hesitate for a while before calling for help.
She opened the door a bit more so that she could see better and located the ring of keys that had dropped when he fell. She stuck those in her pocket.
With a mighty effort, she grasped the fellow beneath his arms and dragged him. The struggle to get him off the floor and onto the bed exhausted her, but she finally managed.
A quick glance around the small chamber assured her that it would pass a cursory inspection if anyone peeked through the door window or opened the door to look.
There was nothing substantial to use to tie him so a gag would be useless. Her only recourse was to get out of the building and away from here before he came around again and made a fuss. She prayed that the liquid she had poured down his throat would be powerful enough to keep him asleep for a while.
After locking him in, Lily pocketed the keys again and strode down the dimly lit corridor to her right. This was the direction the sound of the other man’s footsteps had taken. Was it not?
There were windows to one side of it, closed doors to rooms on the other. She saw it was, indeed, already dark outside.
The odors in the asylum were atrocious and the intermittent sounds of human misery, heartbreaking. Lily assiduously ignored both, trying not to wonder how many were locked away in here unlawfully, as she had been.
She continued, walking purposefully, practicing what she considered the gait of a man. A sort of swagger. Longer strides, toes more out than in, since she knew that toeing in caused the hips to sway. She tugged her cuffs as she had often seen her father do and pulled back her shoulders. That thrust out her bosom, she realized when the shirtfront tightened across it. She hunched a bit to make that less obvious.
The corridor opened into a larger chamber. Lily strode right past a sleeping attendant and traversed yet another wide passageway that she found led to the cavernous entrance hall.
Two men sat conversing on the far side, well away from the main doors. One called out a good-night and she threw up a hand in acknowledgment without looking directly at them or speaking. But when she tried the door, her last obstacle before reaching freedom, she found it securely locked.
Terror gripped her, sucking the breath right out of her lungs. Then she remembered the keys. She fished them out of her pocket and isolated the largest one, hoping her guess was correct. Quickly she inserted it in the door and twisted it right, then left.
Thank God. Again she tried the door handle and, miraculously, the door opened smoothly on its hinges without so much as a squeak of protest.
With a shudder of heartfelt relief mixed with apprehension, Lily strode out, down the stone steps to the street and disappeared into the night.
Only after she crossed the Thames from Southwark, and knew she had escaped her immediate nightmare, did she pause to think about where she was going next. Her knowledge of London was rudimentary at best.
Did she dare turn to Duquesne? Did she have a choice?
Would he or anyone else help her if Clive had already put it about that she was insane? She had made a scene at the Danson’s soiree, there was no escaping that.
Was that one of the incidents of hysteria he would use to convince people? To tell the truth, she had not felt at all herself that evening and could scarcely remember much of what she had said and done. How long had he been planning to spirit her away and lock her up? Had he even drugged her that night to make her seem mad?
She leaned against the solid brick wall of a deserted haberdasher’s shop and shuddered like a leaf in a fierce wind. Tears covered her face and filled her throat and chest. Her breath came in gasps, her head ached to perdition and her knees felt weak as water.
No matter how hard she tried, Lily could not decide what she should do next. What a sheltered existence she had led before her marriage and even after Jonathan had died. No one would protect her now that she needed it. Her father, gone. Her husband, gone. Her son, too young. Her brother-in-law, dangerous. Suddenly furious that no one had given her any preparation in fending for herself, Lily cursed. Right out loud.
All she had wanted thus far was to live a quiet life in the country and to raise her beloved son to shoulder his responsibilities and be a kind and loving man like his father. Since she was twelve or so, her own father had drummed into her that’s what she should aspire to. A lot of good that had done.
Anger was a stranger to her, this horrid, all-consuming rage she felt now. And yet she was thankful for it. At least her fury had lent her the impetus to act and kept her from being paralyzed by her fear. She would not give in to the fear now that she had come this far.
Dare she trust Duquesne not to send her directly back to Clive once she related what had happened? Or should she follow through with the outrageous idea prompted by the letters she had found in Brinks’s pocket?
That she would even consider seeking out such a dangerous man brought an even more troubling question to mind. Was it possible Clive was justified? Could she truly be insane?
Guy watched his ancient butler, Bodkins, shuffle just inside the doorway. The poor old bloke should be in bed, but he’d be up and around even after Guy retired for the night. How Bodkins managed at his age was indeed a mystery.
It was nigh on nine o’clock. One more entry to make in the accounts and he would have them up to date. A first. He picked a bit of lint off the point of his pen and frowned at the stain on his thumbnail. “Yes, what is it, Boddy?”
“A young gent’s arrived, milord. A Mr. Pinks.”
“Brinks?” That appointment was scheduled for tomorrow morning. Unless Boddy had forgotten to mention it had been changed. The old fellow’s hearing had all but deserted him and his memory was not what it should be.
Ah, well, Brinks was here, might as well have done with it. He would either do for the position or he wouldn’t. Shouldn’t take long to discover which. “Very well. Send him in.” When Bodkins remained where he was, Guy repeated, louder this time.
Bodkins made a slow turn and retraced his steps. Guy shook his head sadly, wondering how much longer he could afford to allow the old dear to keep working. Putting him out to pasture would surely kill him, but if he stayed on here…
“Lord Duquesne,” Bodkins announced, his ancient voice cracking. He cleared his throat noisily. “Mr. Pinks to see you.”
Guy looked up and smiled. Charm never hurt and often helped where employees were concerned. “Mr. Brinks. Good of you to come.”
He reached over to adjust the flame in the lamp. The lighting was insufficient even then. The dark walls of the house seemed to drink up light like thirsty sponges.
Guy regarded his visitor, trying not to do so through narrowed eyes. Damn, he’d be needing spectacles one of these days if he didn’t spring for more lamps.
Economizing had become too ingrained a habit when it had been necessary. Even though he wished to keep up the appearance of penury, he might have to adjust spending for a few of his private needs.
He studied Brinks. The bloke was too slightly built for the employment Guy had in mind. And too young, obviously. But perhaps he might work as an assistant to Mimms, someone to fetch and carry things. Taking care of the earl was a time-consuming and physically demanding task, and the valet was aging. Guy had decided that two attendants would be better than one. He almost winced at the thought of the added expense. Habits died hard.
He forced a pleasant expression. “I thought we were to meet tomorrow morning.”
“There…there was a sudden change of plan,” Brinks said hesitantly. “I am most eager for the job and free to leave immediately. Now. Tonight. If you’ll furnish transportation, I could go on ahead, sir.”
His voice was rather high-pitched. And he seemed frightened, ducking his head that way. This would never do. If he feared a sane man, he would surely quail in the presence of one as unstable as the earl.
“Well, I haven’t exactly hired you yet, now have I? Were you sacked?” Guy asked directly.
“No, my lord. I have two letters of recommendation.”
“May I see them?”
“Of course.” Hesitantly the lad crossed the room, his steps tentative, his head still bowed.
“Come, come, let’s have them,” Guy ordered, beckoning impatiently.
As Brinks complied, Guy noted the softness of the ungloved hand that offered the envelopes. The well-tended nails were slightly dirty. Guy would have preferred some indication the bloke could work, and failing that, that he would at least be conscientious about cleanliness.
Quickly he took out the pages and gave them a perfunctory read. One was from a Sir Alexander Morison who had been physician to Hoxton’s hospital for the insane three years before. The other from the chief administrator who worked there now. By all reports, Mr. John Brinks was a dedicated employee who was never late and always conscientious in the performance of his assigned duties.
Guy laid the letters aside and spread his palms flat on his desk, regarding his visitor with some amusement. “Do you think I might see something other than the top of your head? You aren’t afraid of me, are you, Mr. Brinks?”
The face appeared then, limned with warm light from the lamp that sat just to one side of the applicant. Guy’s breath caught at the sight.
Small wonder the boy had kept his head down. Any fellow that pretty would have a damned difficult time obtaining employment anywhere other than on a stage playing female roles. Or perhaps in an institution where his unusual looks would probably go unremarked by his charges.
However, something was wrong here. Brinks hardly looked old enough to have worked three years anywhere other than as a student at school.
“What is your age?” Guy asked, his interested gaze traveling the length of the slender, graceful frame and back to the youthful face.
“Twenty-six, my lord. Nearly twenty-seven.”
“The devil you say.” Guy scoffed and shook his head. “Well, even so, I regret I can’t hire you. You won’t suit.”
“Why not?” The words were a mere whisper.
“Because you are too small, for one thing. This will require someone with greater strength than yours. Sorry.”
Brinks didn’t move.
“Oh.” Guy realized he still had the reference letters spread out on the desk. He quickly replaced them in the envelopes and handed them back. “I wish you luck in securing another position, Mr. Brinks. And again, thank you for responding.”
Even with that obvious a dismissal, Brinks still didn’t leave. He seemed unable to stir.
“Is there something else?” Guy asked, steepling his fingers beneath his chin.
“You must hire me, my lord. Please. Indeed, I must leave London immediately. The sooner, the better.”
Guy studied the unique features carefully. Apprehension lit the earnest dark blue eyes framed with long lashes. Color heightened the cheekbones any woman would kill to possess. Lips, naturally full and red a moment earlier, were now firmed to a pale tight line of desperation.
“Why so eager to get away, Mr. Brinks? Explain and I might be inclined to help you.”
Confusion reigned for a full minute, then a sigh rent the air. “A patient, my lord. He’s been released from the hospital and has come after me. I dare not even return to my rooms to collect my things. This man is dangerous. He has threatened my life!”
A lie, of course. Easily detected, too. Guy wondered whether Brinks realized the girlish pitch that ensued with the pleading. Interesting. “How is it that this dangerous individual was released?”
“A…mistake, my lord.”
Guy crossed his arms and ran a finger over his lips thoughtfully. “I thought all of the criminals at Bedlam had been removed to Broadmoor some time ago.”
“This man has committed no crime that I know of. Yet. In his confused state, he blames me for his confinement in hospital because I was the one to…to take care of him.”
“Ah. And how has he threatened your life? How? Be specific, please,” Guy ordered.
“Well, uh, he’s been following me.” Brinks swallowed hard, obviously struggling to control the fidgets. Unused to lying this way, Guy figured.
“Following you, eh?” he asked, encouraging further elaboration.
“Yes, and going about Town claiming to be me on occasion. He has even charged some things to my accounts at several shops! I dare not even show myself about the city for fear some will take me as the imposter.”
“My word, what a dastardly thing for him to do!” Guy exclaimed, becoming more fascinated by the minute with this Banbury tale. “Do tell, what else has he done?”
“I fear to guess, my lord. Please, could you furnish me with transportation of some sort and send me on to Edgefield this very night?”
“I see. And if I should do this, you feel you would be safe?”
The nod was almost frantic. “I believe so. I would be most beholden to you if you would arrange it. I promise I would work hard and care for your father as if he were my own.” A slight pause ensued. “For as long as I am there.”
Guy straightened in his chair and leaned forward. “You know of Edgefield? How is that? The place of employment was never mentioned in my query to your director.”
Brinks hesitated, then took a deep breath. “That is where your father resides, is it not?”
“I prefer my father’s place of residence to remain undisclosed. Most people believe he is at our family seat in Northumberland and I prefer they continue to believe that. You will tell no one of this, do you hear?”
“Of course not, my lord.” Brinks shifted, either unable or unwilling to fabricate any further explanation.
Guy meant to find how this bit of information had got out. “You obviously know more of my circumstances than is warranted. Are you from Kent yourself?”
“Uh…I hail from nearby Maidstone. I suppose I must have overheard someone say…” The explanation drifted away to an uncomfortable silence.
Guy knew it was useless to continue in that vein. He would have to be more direct. There was definitely something peculiar here and he needed to find out what it was.
This application was no jest, he was sure of that now. Desperation and fear ran deep in those troubled eyes that were avoiding his.
Playing at this no longer proved amusing and it was time to end it.
Guy stood. “The interview is now concluded. I do believe you need help,” he said with all honesty.
“Then you will hire me? I may leave London now?” Relief softened the face to the point where it was no longer merely pretty.
Guy frowned at the realization. With the worst edge of terror alleviated, Brinks had transformed into an exquisite beauty.
“No, you are not hired,” he answered emphatically as he leaned forward over his desk, resting his weight on his palms, his face scarcely two feet distant from the frightened applicant.
“Please, sir! You must!”
Guy shook his head slowly. “I believe it’s time for you to abandon this farce and tell me why a young woman would hack off her hair, don a cheap suit of clothes and seek out employment as a man. It is a dangerous charade, dear girl, whatever your reasons. Are you mad?”
Darmowy fragment się skończył.
