Chapter Fourteen

B roderick hurried toward the stable the next morning, his long legs taking wide strides on his way. Questions swam through his head, and he couldn't focus. It didn't help when all he could think about was his beautiful Emiline.

Quickly, he brought his thoughts to a halt. His Emiline? That was utterly ridiculous. He could not—ever—think of her that way. For now, she was simply a diversion for him while he was in hiding. He really needed to get back to his original plan when he discovered the lord chancellor's niece was here. Spending time with Emiline had been so pleasing, he'd forgotten that he still didn't know very much about what Lady Sarah's uncle was up to.

Inwardly, he cringed. What would his crew think of him now? They would certainly think he was slacking in his duties and that he had a weak mind—neither of which was something Broderick wanted to be known for.

Levi sauntered out of the stable, brushing straw off his trousers. The boy—perhaps not a boy any longer, since a small patch of facial hair grew on his chin—had been working for Uncle Henry for several years. If memory served, Levi's family were also servants here.

"Boy, hold up there," Broderick called out.

Levi scratched his ear. "Yessir?"

"I need to talk to you about those men who came looking for Lady Sarah yesterday. Do you remember how many were in the group?"

Levi nodded so quickly, his hat nearly slipped off his head. "Five, sir."

"What were they looking for, exactly?"

"Well…" the boy said, tapping his finger on his chin as his attention lifted to the tree above Broderick's head. "When I first saw them, they were still on their horses. They rode to me, instead of going to the house first. The one who seemed to be in charge had evil eyes and hair as orange as the sun."

Unease washed over Broderick. Evil eyes… There was one man who fit that description. Lieutenant Mercer—the very man who nearly captured the Avenger several weeks ago. Broderick's stomach churned with worry. "What age was this man?"

Levi met his stare. "I suppose he was somewhere around his fortieth year, sir."

Broderick nodded. So far, the description of Lieutenant Mercer fit perfectly. "Continue."

"Well, the man asked the whereabouts of Mr. Crampton. He said my master had something these men needed. I kept telling them that Mr. Crampton wasn't here, but they acted like they weren't listening to me, because they all started talking to each other at once."

"Do you know what they were saying?"

Levi shook his head. "They were arguing about something, but I couldn't tell what it was."

"Then what happened?" Broderick folded his arms.

"I heard one of them say Lady Sarah's name." Levi shrugged. "That was all I heard before the man with the evil eyes looked at me again and asked where Lady Sarah was. I told them she was with Mr. Crampton."

"Was that all, or did they say more?"

"No, that was all they said, and they left upset."

Releasing a pent-up breath, Broderick ran his fingers through his hair. None of this made sense, yet he needed to find out what was going on. More than likely Lady Sarah was in danger. After all, her uncle was a bad man, and their driver knew it and had probably blabbed to his friends, thinking he had killed Lady Sarah and her companion when they traveled here.

The problem was, Broderick didn't know if Lieutenant Mercer was after Lady Sarah—or after Captain Hawk. He didn't know why the lieutenant would want Lady Sarah, unless to kidnap her.

Things were getting more confusing by the second.

"Levi, do you remember when they said they would be back?"

"No, sir. I didn't hear anything of the sort."

"I thank you for your assistance." Broderick swung around and marched back toward the house. He needed to figure out this mystery soon before Lady Sarah was taken, or before Mercer realized the fearsome pirate was staying here as well.

The more and more Broderick thought about staying low, the more he realized that going with Emiline to Brighton looked better and better. His aunt and uncle must not let their servants know of their journey in case Mercer decided to follow. It could be done. Broderick would see to it personally.

This meant he needed to let his uncle know why it was so important for Broderick to stay hidden and away from Mercer. But before he did that, he must discover where Uncle Henry's belief really lay… and which side of the ocean he supported in these perilous times.

Quickly, Broderick stopped and turned back toward the stables. Levi was still out, thankfully. "Levi, will you get my uncle's horse ready—and one for me as well? We shall go riding very soon."

"As you wish." Levi rushed into the stables.

Broderick smiled. Levi had always been so obedient. That was a good quality to have in a servant.

He hurried into the house and straight to his uncle's study. The door was cracked open slightly, and his aunt was inside discussing something with his uncle. Broderick really didn't want to disturb them, but his much-needed conversation with his uncle couldn't be put off any longer.

"But what if her father finds out?" Running his fingers through his hair, Henry snapped at his wife. "He will certainly blame me for not putting a stop to it."

"You are overreacting again, Henry," Martha replied. "She is still young and doesn't understand the consequences of her actions. I'm quite certain her father will sympathize."

"Truly, this is utter nonsense. I need to stop this charade—" Henry stopped in mid-sentence and swung his head toward the door.

Embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, Broderick straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and entered. Both his uncle and aunt wore wide-eyed, surprised expressions.

"Forgive me for intruding," Broderick began, "but I needed to speak with you, Uncle."

His aunt grinned and came to him, stopping to pat his cheeks. "You are not intruding, dear. Mr. Crampton and I have finished our conversation anyway." She threw a final glare toward her husband before quitting the room.

Henry stretched his arms above his head and faked a yawn. "What a lovely morning it is."

"Yes, it is, Uncle, which is why I would like you to take a ride around the estate with me."

"Splendid idea, my boy."

After they had retrieved their riding jackets, they met back at the stables. As promised, Levi had both animals ready. Broderick and his uncle mounted then took off.

Collecting his thoughts, Broderick didn't know how to start the conversation. Earnestly, he prayed to say the right words to make his uncle understand.

Henry slowed his horse down to a trot, and Broderick did the same. "I must say, Broderick, you picked a wonderful time to go riding."

A slight breeze flitted through the trees around them, and the sun peeked through the limbs and leaves. "Yes, the weather has agreed with our outing, I believe. I enjoy riding when the land is so peaceful, but then it makes me wish the whole country could be as content."

Henry eyed him warily. "Yes. These are certainly troublesome times."

"Indeed, they are. I have witnessed quite a lot during my travels." Broderick took his attention off his uncle and focused on the trail ahead. "So many people are angry, and… forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I can see why they act out in such a way." He paused. "I'm sure you have heard about the lord chancellor?"

Henry's jaw hardened. "I have."

"Many men want revenge."

"They do." Henry still watched Broderick through hooded eyes.

Broderick sighed. "I can see now why Lady Sarah's father sent her here to hide."

"Indeed, however, I fear she is still in danger."

"I share that same feeling." So far everything was in Broderick's favor. Yet what his uncle had said really didn't tell him what he wanted to know. "Uncle, I heard a rumor not too long ago that has me greatly confused."

"What is it?"

"I heard that you are related to that fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk, who sails the Avenger ."

"What is this?" Henry's eyes widened. "Out of all the rumors circling about that pirate, I'm surprised my name was mixed up in it."

"I'm assuming the rumor is false, then?"

"Indeed, it is! I don't know who started that rumor, but obviously, it is someone who wants to ruin my reputation."

"The pirate is known for finding corrupt men and bringing them to justice."

"Exactly. However, I don't agree with the pirate's way of justice."

"Forgive me for saying this, Uncle, but at times I would gladly join the pirate's crew just to rid Britain of these types of men."

Uncle Henry pulled his horse to a stop, and Broderick followed his example. Worried eyes stared at Broderick as he held his breath, still praying he hadn't said the wrong thing.

"My boy, this conversation must be kept between you, me, and none other."

Broderick nodded. "It shall."

"As I'm certain you are aware, there are still spies amongst us. I don't know who to trust."

"I feel the same, Uncle. But rest assured, you can trust me, and I hope I can rely on your secrecy as well." Deep in Broderick's heart, he knew confessing his secrets to his uncle would be a good thing to do right now. Taking a deep breath, he prepared his next words. "Uncle, I feel I must tell you something." Henry's unreadable gaze remained on Broderick. "For several years now, I haven't been the man my family believes me to be. In fact, before I came to stay with you for a spell, I was on the high seas, trying my best to find the lord chancellor's corrupt men."

"What are you saying, my boy?" Henry arched a thick eyebrow.

"I'm saying that the things I've been doing these past few years have been in secret."

Henry gasped so loud that it startled the horse. He stroked the animal's mane. "I beg you to explain more."

"I've been capturing enemy ships and obtaining secrets that will help us put a stop to lord chancellor's corruption."

Slowly, Henry's wide-eyed expression relaxed, and a hint of a smile touched his face. "How very interesting."

"I pray this doesn't ruin our relationship."

"On the contrary, my boy." He chuckled. "I think more highly of you now than I did before. I had imagined you to be a carefree man who skipped on responsibility. Now I can see I was mistaken."

"Indeed, you were, Uncle."

"No wonder you argued with me about accepting your position as a newly appointed marquess."

Broderick groaned. He had forgotten about that. "That is the very reason I hesitate on the matter."

"Oh, but you must see the positive side of that. Being an aristocrat will give you ample opportunity to gather information that would help in your cause."

"Yes, but it would also bring me closer to the enemy, and getting caught and hanged for treason is not what I want to happen at this point in my life."

Henry shook his head. "You are an intelligent man. I highly doubt anyone could catch you."

Broderick brushed a hand through his hair. "Regardless, I still have much to ponder on that subject, which I would rather not do at this time. However, I think we need to discuss Lady Sarah and why those men came looking for her."

Henry's forehead creased in puzzlement. "I still cannot fathom why they came. Do you suppose her father sent them?"

"No, Uncle. If her father had sent them, they would have mentioned it first, and they would have waited for Lady Sarah to return."

"Very true."

"So here is what I propose we do to keep her safe." He urged the animal closer to his uncle. Broderick explained how he'd asked Levi questions about the men who came, and what he realized. "We need to take Lady Sarah—and Miss Emmie this time—to another town, just for a visit. You cannot let the servants know where we are traveling. Lie if you must, but they cannot know. I don't want them to find us."

Henry's head bobbed. "I understand. Where shall we take them?"

"Brighton."

His eyes widened. "Why there?"

"It's just enough out of the way from your home, yet close enough that I can have some of my crew meet us there in case these men know where we are."

"I do believe that is a wise decision."

"But remember, don't let any of your servants know of this plan."

"You can count on me."

"And Uncle, I shall inform Lady Sarah and Miss Emmie about our journey. I plan on taking them for a picnic this afternoon."

Henry studied Broderick closely as he rubbed his chin. "Tell me, Broderick, why are you so willing to protect the enemy's niece? If this cause is what you feel strongly about, you probably loathe the earl as well as the man's wicked brother."

"Indeed, I do, Uncle. But as much as I cannot stand—nor trust—these men, I want to protect Emmie—uh, I mean Lady Sarah and her companion. Unfortunately, I have another motive in mind while keeping them protected."

"Let me guess." Henry grinned. "You want to woo Lady Sarah?"

Broderick rolled his eyes. "Actually, I want to ask her questions about her uncle. The more I know about that man and what he has planned, the more I can assist my country."

"Now that sounds more like the nephew I know."

Chuckling, Broderick turned his horse and continued their ride. He didn't wish to further the conversation by going into more detail, especially when it came to Lady Sarah and Emiline. For certain, his uncle would be able to see how smitten Broderick had become with Emiline already. And until he could figure out this infatuation himself, he didn't want to discuss it with anyone.

*

Emmie was nervous, yet excited, to be traveling to Brighton. True to Broderick's promise, he arranged their journey, and they left the Cramptons' home without many servants knowing. The few servants who assisted in packing and loading the carriages also went with them.

To Emmie's surprise, they all left early in the morning. It was quite comical to see Mrs. Crampton and, especially, Rebecca sluggish and with puffy, sleepy eyes. Even Anna acted like she didn't want to get out of bed that early. Irritation for the maid's actions of late stung Emmie. How long had Anna been the maid? Yet now, after only a few short weeks, she was performing like a pampered, spoiled little rich girl. Emmie was put out, especially when she had never acted in such a way.

Although most everyone was tired, there was no way Emmie could sleep. Excitement pumped through her, and she couldn't wait to find her mother. She and Broderick had previously discussed how they would find her mother. Even though she had to argue with the man who made her heart flutter, she had finally convinced him that she would dress as his footman and go with him during his search.

She also couldn't wait to be with Broderick, alone. But this was the only way.

Curiosity niggled her mind, suddenly making her want to find out more about him. Whatever he did for a living must be successful, since his clothes were fancier than a mere farmer's would be. And his manners and intelligence proved he was far from being a mere farmer's son.

Emmie watched out the window as the morning sun brightened the trees and flowers, making them sparkle. Anna slumped against the corner with her head resting against the coach's wall, as heavy, sleepy breaths escaped her slightly parted lips. Across from them sat Mrs. Crampton. The woman's husband and daughter rode in the other coach, thank goodness. Emmie didn't think she could stomach being in close confinement with Rebecca for very long without voicing her thoughts, especially since she figured the other woman had put something in the tea to make her sick the other day.

The older lady had been dozing off and on since they left the estate an hour or so ago, but now she blinked to awareness and sat up straighter in the seat. She lifted a hand to tilt the bonnet that had fallen aside on her head. When she met Emmie's eyes, the woman smiled.

"Did you sleep well?" Emmie asked.

"As well as could be expected, I suppose. Are you not tired?"

"No. There is too much to see." Emmie glanced out the window again. "I love admiring the beautiful land."

"I've traveled to different countries, but I will always believe England has the best land." Mrs. Crampton smiled. "Miss Emmie, tell me… how long have you, eh… worked for Lady Sarah?"

Emmie didn't like the pause that followed. Obviously, she didn't think Emmie was a good companion. Then again, she really wasn't a good servant at all, so she shouldn't get upset that everyone else knew it, too. "Only for a few years. When my family fell on hard times, Lady Sarah's father invited me to be her companion."

"How very sweet of him." Mrs. Crampton offered an energetic smile that almost seemed too forced. "Lady Sarah's father is certainly a kind man."

"Have you met him? I know he is friends with Mr. Crampton, but did you know him as well?"

"Yes. Mr. Crampton and I were there when Bryon married Daphne." Her smile softened. "Daphne was so lovely and so in love with her husband. It was a marriage I thought would last forever."

Emmie blinked quickly to ward off the tears stinging her eyes. "That is what I heard," she said softly. "Unfortunately, fate had to change things."

"Yes. It was a terrible accident."

Silence lasted another few awkward moments as Emmie turned her attention toward the window to the passing scenery. The trees were so green and the flowers so colorful. This kind of beauty she could stare at forever.

"So, Miss Emmie, I have noticed you spending a lot of time with my nephew, Mr. Worthington."

Emmie snapped her head toward the other woman. Panic rushed through her, yet she really didn't have anything to fear. Mrs. Crampton must know that nothing could come of Broderick and Emmie's friendship.

Slowly, she released her breath, hoping Mrs. Crampton didn't notice how uncomfortable she felt right now. "I suppose we have been spending time together. We became friends during our ride across the countryside."

"He has always been a kind boy, and as a man he has added adventure to his life."

Emmie chuckled. "You are correct. It was because of his love for adventure that we kept traveling farther away from your estate, and we were caught in the rain."

Nodding, Mrs. Crampton smiled. "He does love to ride."

"Mrs. Crampton, might I ask something personal about your nephew?"

"What would you like to know?"

"He doesn't talk very much about himself, and I wondered about his profession."

"Broderick works at the docks and helps to load and unload the ships. He must love it, because he spends most of his time there. In fact, a few times he has sailed with the cargo." Her forehead creased in confusion. "I don't exactly know what he does, but he does sail quite a bit."

"How very interesting."

For a few quiet moments, Emmie pondered what the older woman had said. If Broderick worked on the docks or ships, why did he dress so elegantly? She highly doubted men who worked on the docks made good money.

"Mrs. Crampton? Might I ask about his family? He has never told me about them."

"My husband and I are his only family now. Broderick's mother died when he was just a lad, and his father left this world a few years ago. Broderick is the only child. However, just recently, his grandfather passed away, and since Broderick is the only living male heir, the title of Marquess of Wilshire was given to him."

Shock vibrated her more than the movement the carriage made when the wheel ran over a rock. Broderick, a noble? "How wonderful for him."

Mrs. Crampton shrugged. "Unfortunately, someone will have to convince him of that. My husband tells me Broderick is struggling to accept the title."

"Why? He would live in his grandfather's estate and obtain all of his lands and money."

"You don't understand Broderick that well. He isn't the sort of man who believes his life revolves around money. He does what he wants—things that make him happy and uplift others. He is a very good person, but I fear that if he took the title, he would—"

Just then, a rifle shot rang through the air, and within seconds, the carriage came to a dead halt. Anna jumped in her seat, blinking awake with a frightened expression. Mrs. Crampton's eyes were wide as color slowly left her face.

Emmie's heart dropped. They were being attacked! She just knew it!