Chapter 23

C hapter 23

The clock was chiming eleven o’clock at night when I made my way back down the stairs, stepping lightly to avoid any creaking steps. I wasn’t certain whether anyone was still awake. Elizabeth had gone to bed early, and I’d gone with her to try to set her at ease. She was asleep now, and I was in search of some paper and pencils. I had an idea for a new sketch—Nathaniel in the golden light of the meadow in Bibury—and wanted to try my hand at it before the image slipped away.

But as I crossed in front of the drawing room, the door slightly parted and firelight shining through, I heard male voices. Jack and Nathaniel were still awake.

I hesitated at the door. It was abominably rude to even consider eavesdropping, but then, I had never been a good student of social etiquette. Why begin now?

I moved closer to the door, careful not to step into the stream of light that slipped through the opening.

“—keep an eye on her,” Jack was saying. “Very rarely do I wish myself back in London, but tonight, that is the case.”

“Understandable,” Nathaniel said, and just the smooth, deep ribbons of his voice made me breathe easier, as if my lungs grew tighter whenever he wasn’t near. “But I do not think you need to worry. She is quite capable of taking care of herself.”

They were speaking of me. They had to be.

“Indeed.” Jack sounded amused. “I can only imagine what transpired for you to learn that yourself.”

Nathaniel chuckled, the sound full within his chest. “Let us simply say that I have no plans to startle her from behind. She would likely take me down before I had any chance to shout for help.”

It was Jack’s turn to laugh. “She remembers what I taught her, does she? She was always a quick study. Kept me on my toes.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, smiling as I leaned against the wall. I hadn’t thought that hearing these two men speaking of me would bring such contentment, yet here I was, beaming like an idiot. My brother and Nathaniel had been rather quiet through dinner, letting Ginny and me carry the conversation, but the fact that they now conversed—and that they seemed to get along—meant a great deal. It was ridiculous how much I liked it.

There was a short silence, then Jack spoke again. “How long have you been at Bow Street?”

“Just over four months,” Nathaniel answered. “Promoted from the day patrol.”

“How do you find the new magistrate?” Jack questioned. “Etchells, is it?”

“He’s a fair man,” Nathaniel said. “Though I don’t know him well.”

“I daresay he is relieved to have such men as you and Rawlings and Drake,” Jack said. “I was always the troublemaker.”

“You did leave something of a legacy.”

I could not see their faces, but I could sense the tightening of the air in the room, as if Jack were sizing up Nathaniel.

“The price I paid for my arrogance,” Jack finally said. “I don’t deny that.”

Another pause. “Do you miss Bow Street?” Nathaniel quietly asked.

A sigh from Jack. “Yes. But only in the way one lingers nostalgically over the past. I am far happier now.”

“Your wife is a diamond,” Nathaniel said. “You are the most fortunate of men.”

“A fact I am well and truly aware of, no matter my teasing.” I could tell Jack was smiling by the lightness in his voice. “I highly recommend falling in love with a determined, headstrong sort of woman. That way when she makes up her mind to marry you, there’ll be no talking her out of it.”

“Ah.” A chair creaked as if Nathaniel had adjusted his weight. “But how do you convince such a woman to want to marry you in the first place?”

My heart stilled in my chest. I should not listen to this, yet I could not have torn myself away for a thousand pounds.

Jack pondered this before speaking. “I haven’t a good answer for you, Denning,” he said finally. “I stumbled upon my own future rather stupidly. But if you do find a woman like that, all I can tell you is to keep trying. She will be worth it.”

“I have little doubt of that,” Nathaniel said, and I finally gave in to temptation, peeking around the corner of the door. The two sat before the fireplace, and my eyes went straight to Nathaniel’s face. He stared pensively at the glowing coals, as if deep in thought.

“I do have one suggestion,” Jack said, and my attention turned to his wide grin. “If you can save a lady’s life—if at all possible—it certainly helps to encourage feelings of romance.”

Nathaniel gave a short laugh. “And if she continues to insist on saving herself?”

Jack shifted so his gaze was directed toward the open door—toward me . I drew back into the shadows. “Then perhaps she needs to learn that independence is not everything,” he said sincerely. “There is no harm in relying on those we love for help.”

His words struck me hard—not like a bullet or arrow but like a sweeping river. The truth of it was startling, and I did not like what I saw in myself because of it. An indifferent, aloof soul, intent on doing things her own way, in her own time. Alone.

I pulled away from the door and slipped quietly back upstairs.

“Are you certain I should not come with you?” Jack asked doubtfully as we prepared to leave the next morning, all of us milling about the front drive as our bags were loaded onto the carriage. “I could be of use, I am certain.”

Ginny laid a hand on Jack’s arm. “Mr. Denning and Verity have things well in hand, I am sure,” she said. “Besides, you are needed here.”

Jack sighed. “I’ve no doubt in their abilities, but an extra set of hands is always useful.”

“We shall call upon Drake and Rawlings if we need help,” I assured him.

“So long as it’s not Nettleton,” Jack muttered.

“Never Nettleton,” I agreed, hiding a smile.

Ginny stepped to Elizabeth’s side and took her arm. She whispered, and Elizabeth listened intently. A moment later, Elizabeth hugged Ginny. What had my sister-in-law said to her?

Nathaniel went to help load the carriage, and Jack moved to stand beside me, arms crossed. “I like Denning,” he said quietly.

“I do too.”

He looked at me then, his bright, blue eyes—just like mine—piercing straight through me. “Promise me you’ll take care.”

“Of course I will, Jack,” I said. “I’ve learned that lesson quite thoroughly.”

“Yes, but you are too much like me,” he said, his expression softening. “Sometimes we need to learn a lesson a few times before it sticks.”

Then he surprised me by wrapping his big arms around me and hugging me. Just a brief embrace, but considering the last time Jack and I had hugged was his wedding day, it caught me off guard.

I hugged him back until he pulled away and clasped his hands behind his back. “Off with you,” he said gruffly. “And take your troubles with you.”

I laughed and went to bid farewell to Ginny, thanking her with a tight embrace. Nathaniel waited to help me inside the carriage, and I took his hand so naturally, so easily, it seemed as if we’d always been a part of one another.

As the coach started off, I looked back. Jack and Ginny stood before Wimborne, waving as they moved to each other’s side like two magnets. Two forces unaccountably pulled together.

I glanced at Elizabeth beside me, and I was surprised to see she looked remarkably calm, her cheeks with more color in them than I’d seen in weeks.

“What did Ginny say to you?” I asked quietly. I did not mind if Nathaniel overheard, but I wasn’t sure if she would speak if he did. He pointedly turned away, looking out the window and allowing us a modicum of privacy.

Elizabeth gave a half smile. “She said she knew what it felt like to have one’s life upended, to face a future that seemed impossibly bleak.” She looked at me, her eyes holding a new spark of light. “She said that our greatest trials often come before our greatest joys and that I should hold fast to those I love. That they would see me through.” She grasped my hand tightly. “Thank you, Verity, for seeing me through.”

We were able to travel much more directly than a mail coach, so only a few hours later, our coach stopped in front of Harwood House, the weather drizzly and cold. Elizabeth stared up at her home, apprehension in her every aspect. But she set her shoulders and opened the carriage door, stepping down onto the street. I moved to follow her, but Nathaniel caught my arm.

“You’ll come to Bow Street as we planned?” he asked.

“As soon as I can.”

We’d decided it was best for me to see Elizabeth home while Nathaniel went directly to Bow Street. It would be a difficult enough conversation without an officer present.

“And you’ll make sure the Harwoods know what to do?” he pressed.

I smiled. “Rest assured, Sir Chivalry. We will put the plan into motion.”

Still, he did not release my arm, though his hold on me was gentle. His eyes found mine, intent and entirely captivating. If Elizabeth had not stood a few feet away, he might have kissed me again. A soft, sweet, simple kiss. Just imagining it sent a wave of desire curling through my stomach.

“I will see you soon,” I promised.

He nodded. “Be careful.”

He closed the door after I descended, and the coach was soon rattling off down the cobblestones.

I faced Elizabeth. “Are you ready?”

“I am,” she said, her voice surprisingly steady. “I’ve been dreading this for so long that I am almost relieved to have it over and done with.”

She went up the steps and opened the front door. I moved inside after her, and we both removed our bonnets, our footsteps echoing.

“Mother?” Elizabeth called out tentatively.

A thud came from the nearby parlor. Then rapid footsteps and the door was yanked open. Lady Harwood braced herself in the doorway, dressed in a simple morning gown, face pale and eyes wide.

“Elizabeth,” she whispered. She took a step forward, then another, then she ran to her daughter and threw her arms around her. “Oh, darling, my darling.”

Both women were weeping, clutching each other.

“I was so worried,” Lady Harwood cried. “Where have you been?”

But Elizabeth shook her head, unable to speak.

“Reginald!” Lady Harwood shouted. “Reginald, come quickly!”

“What is the fuss all ab—” Sir Reginald came striding down the corridor, but he stopped short when he saw Elizabeth in Lady Harwood’s arms. He said nothing, only stared, then swooped forward, throwing his arms around his daughter.

“Father,” Elizabeth murmured, holding him tight. “I am so sorry.”

He shook his head, still pressed into her shoulder. “None of that,” he said hoarsely. “I never thought to feel such relief.”

I stood to the side, bonnet in hand, smiling at the reunion even as my heart ached for what was yet to come. Their reaction, at least, made me feel confident that the blackmailer hadn’t yet revealed Elizabeth’s secret. They would have greeted their daughter much differently if they’d known.

Lady Harwood turned to me, eyes tearful. “We surely have you to thank, Verity, for bringing her home.”

I shook my head. “All your thanks should be given to Mr. Denning. He made it possible.”

Lady Harwood shook her head. “I shall give you a goodly share, and you mustn’t deny me. Our gratitude knows no bounds.”

Elizabeth pulled back, brushing the tears from her cheeks. “I truly am sorry,” she said again. “I know I have caused so much pain and worry.”

Lady Harwood took her hand. “But why, my dear?” she asked. “What on earth drove you to run away?”

“I have much to tell you,” Elizabeth said. “Perhaps we might sit down.”

Once we were all seated around the fireplace in the parlor, Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald looked at Elizabeth with expectant curiosity. Elizabeth clasped her hands in her lap and took a shuddering breath.

“The reason I ran away,” she began, “was that I received a threatening note. The sender knew a secret about me and warned that he would reveal it if I did not comply with his demands.”

Lady Harwood leaned forward. “The secret from the letter Verity told us about?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Last year, when I was with Aunt Augusta, we weren’t traveling. That is, we traveled to the Cotswold Hills, but we remained there for the majority of the six months I was gone.”

“What on earth do you mean?” Sir Reginald said, baffled. “Why?”

“We could not travel,” Elizabeth said, somehow managing to raise her gaze to meet her parents’. “Because ... because of the baby.”

Silence greeted her, her parents staring at her in bewilderment.

“ My baby,” she finally said, eyes red. “I have a child, a little girl.”

She hurried to explain everything she’d told me two days ago, her voice shaking but determined. But even with her practiced words, she was often overcome with emotion and frequently had to stop to regain her composure.

Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald sat in stunned silence, simply staring as she spoke. They said nothing, did not even look at each other, and my heart sank.

“I am so terribly sorry,” Elizabeth whispered when she finished, a solitary tear slipping down her cheek. “You must know how difficult this was to keep from you.”

The room was quiet for a long minute. Then Lady Harwood shifted forward in her seat, her eyes red and watery. “I’ve a granddaughter?” she asked, her words barely audible.

Elizabeth nodded. “I named her Rose, after the cottage where she was born.”

Finally, Lady Harwood looked at her husband, but Sir Reginald seemed to be in shock. He stood suddenly and moved to the window to look out over the dreary street, the stone townhouses wet with rain. He said nothing.

“I cannot believe this.” Lady Harwood spoke as if in a daze. Her shoulders drew down around her, her face stark white. “Why would you not tell us? Why would you not tell me ?”

“How could I?” Elizabeth’s voice trembled. Her father’s reaction had shaken her. “We had such plans, such grand aims for my future. But I ruined everything.” Her face softened. “That is, I assumed everything was ruined. Until Rose was born.”

Lady Harwood stilled, her eyes on her daughter.

“How I love her, Mother,” Elizabeth whispered. “It is pure misery to be apart from her. I worry every moment of the day for her, wondering if she is well, if she’s fed and warm and content. If she misses me as I miss her.”

A rustle to my left indicated that Sir Reginald was listening as well.

“Knowing now the strength of a parent’s love, I am even more sorry for what I have put you both through.” Elizabeth looked at her father near the window. “I have worried you. I have disappointed you. I’ve ruined the Harwood name and my reputation, and I’ve no right to beg your forgiveness. But I shall beg all the same.”

Another pause, then Lady Harwood stood. My heart stopped, thinking for one second that she was leaving, too distraught at the news to stay in her daughter’s presence a moment longer.

But she knelt before Elizabeth, taking her hands. “You do not need my forgiveness,” she whispered. “But perhaps I need yours, for being the kind of mother you were too afraid to come to when you needed one the most.”

Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears yet again. “Oh, Mother.”

“I am only glad you are home and well,” Lady Harwood said fiercely. “We shall manage all the rest.”

I thought Elizabeth might smile, glad to have her mother’s support, but she baffled me by shaking her head.

“But that is just it,” she whispered. “‘It is because of ‘all the rest’ that I cannot sleep at night. Because during the last few days, I have come to realize that I cannot be without my daughter. I cannot be without my Rose.”

Lady Harwood pulled away slightly, mouth parted.

“What do you mean?” Sir Reginald’s voice came from across the room, and we all turned to look at him. He gaped at her, genuinely shocked. “You are engaged to an earl. You cannot have a daughter.”

Elizabeth’s lip trembled, but she met his eyes. “I still wish to marry Lord Blakely, if he will have me after I tell him the truth.”

“And if he will not have you?” he asked, moving one sharp step closer.

She seemed to collect every ounce of calm remaining to her. “Then I shall live in happy obscurity with my child, tucked away in the country where no one knows us.”

Now it was my turn to stare. I hadn’t had any idea she’d harbored such plans for herself and Rose. She would truly give up a life as a countess, with wealth and status and an adoring husband?

“Of course you cannot do that,” Sir Reginald said, aghast. “Elizabeth, be reasonable. This is not how things are done. Please, we will find a family for ... for ... the child. You can still marry, have the life you planned for.”

“But if it is a life without Rose,” she said softly, “then I do not want it.”

Sir Reginald looked as if he wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. But Lady Harwood stood suddenly.

“Now is not the time, Reggie,” she said in a tone that refused to be argued with. “We will speak of this later. We have more immediate concerns.”

“What is more concerning than my only daughter choosing to throw her life away?” Sir Reginald snapped.

“The fact that your only daughter is being blackmailed,” I said quietly.

He seemed to have forgotten I was in the room. He stared at me, catching his breath. “Blackmailed?”

Elizabeth closed her eyes, her energy spent.

I spoke for her. “Yes,” I said. “The threatening note Elizabeth received made it clear that the writer knew about Rose.”

“What could this fellow possibly want?” Sir Reginald took a few steps toward us.

“He demanded that Elizabeth bring him The Woman in Red .” I glanced at the portrait above the mantel. The woman looked out over the room, ignorant of the drama unfolding just beyond her gilded frame.

“ The Woman in Red ?” Sir Reginald shook his head. “Why?”

“No doubt he wishes to sell it,” I said. “All of London is aware of its value, considering how much you paid for it.”

Lady Harwood sat back down beside Elizabeth. “What are we to do?” she asked. “We cannot let such a vile man win.”

“Of course we won’t,” I said firmly. “First, I must ask if anything strange has happened in our absence. Any curious notes or occurrences?”

Sir Reginald shook his head. “Nothing. It has been quiet.”

I turned to Elizabeth. “It would appear your scheme worked. The blackmailer has likely been biding his time, waiting for your return.”

She nodded. “But we will be ready for him.”

Lady Harwood looked between the two of us. “What do you mean?”

I sat forward. “We have a plan, together with Mr. Denning, to catch the blackmailer. For your safety, the less you two know about it, the better. But the sooner we enact your part in it, the sooner we can have it over and done with.”

“What is our part?” Sir Reginald asked doubtfully.

“Spreading the word that Elizabeth has returned,” I said. “We must tell as many people as possible so the blackmailer will hear of it. We expect he will contact her again, thinking she’s come to her senses.”

“But really, we shall be laying a trap for him,” Elizabeth said, her voice hard. “One he will never see coming.”

“What sort of trap?” Lady Harwood asked, brow lowered in concern. “Nothing dangerous?”

“Not to you or your family,” I assured her. “That is why Mr. Denning has gone straight to Bow Street, to ask the magistrate for help.”

Lady Harwood and Sir Reginald looked at each other, neither seeming terribly convinced this was a good idea.

But then Elizabeth spoke again. “This is the only way we can be sure that my secret won’t be leaked,” she said softly. “The only way I can protect my reputation and that of my daughter.”

Sir Reginald opened his mouth to speak, perhaps to insist yet again that Elizabeth see reason, but Lady Harwood laid a hand upon his arm, silencing him.

“Then of course we will help,” Lady Harwood said with a steady gaze. “In any way we can.”

Sir Reginald blew out a long breath but then closed his eyes and nodded his agreement. “Yes. We will help. Tell us what we must do.”

“Oh, thank you, Father.” Elizabeth reached one hand toward him, then drew it away, no doubt fearful of his rejection.

Sir Reginald hesitated a long moment, then reached over and grasped Elizabeth’s hand. She clutched at him, tears falling from her eyes.

“I am sorry,” he whispered. “I have spent the last three days fearing I might never see you again. I am only trying to protect and guide you as a father should. I am trying to find my way.”

“I know, Father,” she said, voice shaking. “I have not made it easy on you. But Verity and Mr. Denning will catch the culprit. I know they will.”

I could not help but feel her confidence in me misplaced. But she did not need to know my doubts and fears—she had enough of her own. The plan was a good one, after all. So I nodded firmly, trying to reassure them all.

I would not let Elizabeth down.