Chapter 18

Chapter Eighteen

Winston winced as the doctor examined the wound on his shoulder. He didn’t have time for this. He needed to find a way to save Mattie and bring her back to him… alive. That was his first, and only, priority. He would do whatever it took, even risk his own life, to ensure she was safe.

Doctor Anderson took a step back, his expression serious but relieved. “You are very lucky, my lord,” he said. “The bullet merely grazed your skin. It could have been a lot worse.”

“Wonderful,” Winston muttered.

“I do believe that stitches aren’t necessary, but you will be left with a scar,” the doctor explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

A scar was the least of his concerns, and he felt it was absurd to even remark on such a thing. Grimacing, he reached for his shirt and struggled to put it on, every movement sending jolts of pain through his shoulder.

His mother stepped forward, her eyes filled with worry. “You should rest,” she urged gently.

Winston stared at his mother incredulously. “How can I rest knowing that Mattie is with a madman?” he demanded, his voice tight with frustration .

“I know it would be difficult…” she began.

“No, it would be impossible!” Winston exclaimed, his anger barely contained. “I have to find Mattie before Isaac harms her.”

His mother’s eyes softened with compassion. “I’m sorry. I don’t know the right thing to say or do at this precise moment.”

Winston took a deep breath, recognizing his mother’s concern. He needed to stay calm, even though every fiber of his being screamed to act. “If I am to be honest, neither do I,” he admitted.

Just then, Grady stepped into the room, his expression determined. “I sent word to Jasper about what transpired. He needs to know what happened.”

“You knew where Jasper was keeping my aunt this entire time?” Winston asked.

“I did,” Grady replied unabashedly.

Winston saw the dried blood on Grady’s forehead and said, “You should have Doctor Anderson look at your wound.”

Grady reached up and touched the top of his head, wincing slightly. “It is nothing,” he said dismissively.

“It looks like more than nothing,” Winston countered.

A pensive look came to Grady’s expression. “This is just a reminder that I failed at my task, but I refuse to let Isaac win. He will pay for what he has done.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Winston responded, his resolve hardening.

His mother frowned. “What is it that you intend to do, Winston?” she asked, the worry evident in her voice. “You are a barrister after all. Not a Bow Street Runner.”

Winston approached his mother and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I understand your concern, but I will do whatever it takes to get Mattie back. ”

“That is what concerns me the most,” his mother remarked, her voice trembling.

Doctor Anderson reached for his satchel and spoke up. “I will be at my home. Please send for me if you are in need of my services.”

Winston tipped his head. “Thank you, Doctor.”

After the doctor departed from the drawing room, Lord Dallington stepped into the room, his face etched with concern.

“What did the doctor say?” his father asked, his voice tense.

Winston moved to place his waistcoat on. “He said I would live.”

His father let out a sigh of relief. “What were you thinking?” he demanded. “You should never have aggravated Isaac.”

“Isaac abducted Mattie,” Winston stated, his voice rising with emotion. “I wasn’t about to stand back and let that happen.”

“You could have been killed,” his father said, his voice breaking slightly.

Winston’s jaw tightened as he fastened the last button on his waistcoat. “But I wasn’t,” he responded firmly.

Just as he uttered his words, a tall, slender woman with dark hair rushed into the room, her eyes wide with panic. Jasper followed closely behind her, his expression grim.

“Sarah!” his father shouted. “What in the blazes are you doing here?”

Her eyes were filled with desperation as she turned to Winston. “I had to come,” she said, her voice shaking. “I couldn’t stay hidden knowing what Isaac is capable of. He has gone too far, and I will not let him destroy more lives.”

Winston had never formally met his aunt, but now was not the time for pleasantries. “Where is your son?”

“He is here, with me,” Sarah said. “I will turn myself over to Isaac and?—”

“Absolutely not!” his father shouted. “You will do no such thing. He will kill you, Sarah.”

She shook her head. “No, he needs me to claim my inheritance.”

“Is that any better?” his father asked.

With pained eyes, Sarah replied, “I can’t stand around and do nothing. Your family has already done so much to protect me, and Isaac has been relentless.”

Winston crossed his arms over his chest. “I agree with my father. We are not going to let you turn yourself over to Isaac.”

“Then how are you going to get Miss Bawden back?” Sarah asked.

“I don’t know,” Winston admitted painfully, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. “But there must be another way.”

Sarah approached him, coming to a stop in front of him, her eyes imploring his. “I know you are thinking you are doing what is best, but you do not know Isaac like I do. I do believe he is capable of killing Miss Bawden and anyone else that gets in his way.”

Winston clenched his jaw. “Then we must stop him.”

“How?” Sarah asked.

Melody stepped into the room. “I have an idea,” she said.

With a shake of his head, Winston remarked, “I know you mean well, Sister, but this is not the time.”

Undeterred by his lackluster response, Melody continued, “We set a trap for Isaac.”

His father turned towards Melody, his voice stern. “This does not involve you, young lady.”

Melody tilted her chin stubbornly. “I can do more than what is expected of me. I am an excellent shot and?— ”

“No!” his father shouted, his face reddening with anger. “Go to your bedchamber.”

Rather than move, Melody held her father’s gaze, the silence palpable. Winston had always known that Melody was strong, but he had never seen this determined side of her. It was unnerving, yet he had never been more proud of his sister.

White stepped into the room and held up a piece of paper. “A letter was just delivered to the servants’ entrance.”

Winston stepped forward and retrieved the note, his heart pounding in his chest. He read it quickly before crumpling the paper in his hand. “Isaac wants to trade Miss Bawden for Sarah and Matthew at the Wilsons’ barn in one hour. He told us to come alone or else he will kill Miss Bawden,” he revealed.

Jasper took a step forward, his expression serious. “We need to devise a plan, and quickly,” he said. “And I think Lady Melody is right, we should set a trap.”

His father pointed his finger at Jasper. “You keep my daughter out of this.” He turned back to Melody. “It is time for you to leave.”

“Why?” Melody asked defiantly. “I will just remain outside the door and eavesdrop, just as Elodie is doing.”

His mother approached Melody and gave her a weak smile. “I know you are doing what you think is best, but I can’t risk anything happening to you.”

Melody met Winston’s gaze, and her eyes flashed with a fierce determination, making him know that this wasn’t over. “Very well,” she conceded.

After his sister left the room, Jasper and Grady approached one another and started speaking in hushed tones. Their conversation, too quiet for anyone else to hear, only served to heighten Winston’s irritation.

“Do you mind telling us what you two are planning?” Winston demanded, his voice tight with annoyance.

Jasper turned to the group and said, “It appears that Isaac has at least two other men working for him. We outnumber him, especially if we include Lady Melody.”

His mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “You cannot be in earnest.”

Grady interjected, his tone calm but firm. “I have seen Lady Melody shoot, and she is an excellent shot.”

“At targets!” his father shouted, tossing his hands up in the air in exasperation. “She shoots at targets, not at people. Find another way.”

Jasper tipped his head. “Yes, my lord,” he said. “Give Grady and me a moment to discuss another option.”

As the two Bow Street Runners resumed their strategizing in low voices, his mother approached Winston and asked, “How are you faring?”

Winston huffed. “How do you think I am faring?” he asked. “The woman that I love is being held hostage.”

“You love her?” his mother asked.

“Yes,” Winston replied.

A smile spread across his mother’s face, despite the gravity of the situation. “I am glad that you have finally come to terms with what we already know.”

Winston ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t lose her. Not now,” he said, his voice breaking slightly.

His mother placed a comforting hand on his sleeve. “I know you want Mattie back, but you must think clearly and act decisively. Sacrificing yourself will do no good.”

Aunt Sarah interrupted their conversation, her voice tinged with guilt. “I am sorry that it has come to this. I did not mean for anyone to get hurt.”

“I know. But this is not your fault; it is Isaac’s,” Winston assured her.

“Yes, but he is my husband,” Aunt Sarah said, her eyes filled with sorrow. “It was nice to be free of him, even if it was just for a short time. ”

Turning to face his aunt, Winston remarked, “I am not going to hand you over to Isaac.”

“What other option do we have?” Aunt Sarah asked, her eyes widening with concern. “If Isaac even sees another person, he will make good on his promise to kill Miss Bawden.”

“I don’t know what the answer is, but we will figure it out together,” Winston promised.

Jasper approached, his expression solemn. “Grady and I have devised a plan, but it is not without some risks.”

Winston nodded, his resolve solidifying. “What would you have me do?”

The two Bow Street Runners exchanged a pointed look before Jasper asked, “Can you shoot, my lord?”

“I can,” Winston confirmed.

“Good, because this plan could go awry very quickly,” Jasper said.

Winston felt a surge of determination. “I will do whatever it takes to get Mattie back,” he declared.

“All right,” Jasper said. “Here is our plan…”

Mattie sat on a bundle of hay in the Wilsons’ dilapidated barn, the rough texture pressing against her skin as she shifted uncomfortably. She had been here for what felt like hours, and her body ached from the rigid position. She longed for the comfort of her home and the luxury of a long, warm bath. However, her current reality was bleak, with the short, stout man standing nearby ensuring she did not escape.

The light filtered through the cracks in the barn’s walls and roof, casting long, eerie shadows on the ground. Memories of playing in this barn as a child flooded back to her. That was a different time. A time when the barn was filled with laughter and life, not abandoned and grim as it was now.

The door creaked open, bringing with it a flood of light and a gust of fresh air. Isaac stepped into the barn, his presence immediately darkening the mood. He turned his attention to the short man. “Leave us, Thomas.”

Thomas nodded curtly before departing, closing the door behind him and plunging the barn back into semi-darkness.

Isaac approached Mattie slowly, his footsteps echoing on the wooden floor. He sat down on an adjacent bundle of hay, his demeanor calm. “I hope you know that I did not want it to come to this.”

Mattie huffed, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t believe you.”

“This is Lord Winston’s fault, not mine,” Isaac asserted. “He stole my family from me. You must understand that I would do whatever it takes to get them back.”

She reached down and pulled a piece of hay off her black gown. “Perhaps you shouldn’t have abused them, then.”

Isaac visibly stiffened, his facade of calm cracking. “You know not what you speak of.”

“I do,” Mattie retorted. “I understand that you often would beat your wife and son.”

“Only when they deserved it,” Isaac countered, his tone defensive.

Mattie lifted an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. “Does a woman or child ever deserve to be hit?”

Isaac rested his back against a column, his expression hardening. “You live in a gilded cage. You have no idea what others have to do just to survive.”

“That didn’t answer my question,” she said.

He frowned. “I married Lady Sarah, and her father denied me her dowry. He knew I didn’t have the funds to fight him in court, so we had to scrape just to get by. Do you know how humiliating that was? ”

“I do not.”

“Of course you don’t,” Isaac said bitterly. “You are the daughter of a viscount.”

Mattie shook her head. “You seem to forget that my father only recently inherited his title. Before that, he was a vicar, and we lived on a limited income.”

Isaac looked unimpressed, his lips curling in a sneer. “That is hardly the same, considering you had a housekeeper to tend to your family.”

“You speak to me as if I have never experienced any struggles,” Mattie said. “But I have. I have endured more than you know.”

“Pardon me for not being impressed, but what do you know about struggles?” Isaac asked, leaning forward. “Do you know what it is like not being able to provide for your family, while your wife’s family is living a life of leisure?”

Mattie crossed her arms over her chest. “Do you expect me to feel bad for you?” she asked. “You made your bed, and now you must lie in it.”

Isaac chuckled dryly, his eyes glinting with malice. “You impertinent chit. I can see why Lord Winston has been so taken with you.”

“He is not taken by me,” she insisted.

Holding out his arm in a mocking gesture, Isaac said, “It was evident to me how he felt about you. That is why I knew abducting you would be the only way to get my family returned to me.”

“You will be sorely mistaken. Winston won’t turn over Lady Sarah to you,” Mattie responded, her voice firm.

He smirked, leaning back. “We shall see.”

“I won’t allow it,” Mattie declared.

The humor drained from Isaac’s face, replaced by a menacing glare. “You won’t allow it?” he repeated. “You hold no power here. You are only alive because you are serving a purpose.”

Mattie knew she should bite her sharp tongue, but when had that ever stopped her before? “Winston will stop you, and you will be sent to Newgate to live out the rest of your pathetic life,” she spat out.

In a swift, brutal motion, Isaac reared his hand back and slapped her across the cheek, the force of the blow knocking her onto the ground. Pain exploded in her cheek, and she tasted blood.

He rose and stood over her. “You will not speak unless you are spoken to. Do you understand?” he demanded, his voice cold and hard.

Mattie brought a trembling hand to her reddened cheek, the sting making her eyes water. She fought back the tears, not wanting to show any sign of weakness.

Isaac’s nostrils flared with anger. “Do you understand?” he repeated.

“I do,” Mattie said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion, masking the fear and anger boiling within her.

Holding his hand out, Isaac said, “Allow me to help you up.”

“That won’t be necessary?—”

Isaac cut her off, his voice sharp. “I insist.”

Reluctantly, Mattie slipped her hand into his, feeling the coarseness of his skin. He pulled her up roughly, yanking her towards him so their faces were inches apart.

“I’m sorry I hit you, but you left me with no choice,” he growled, his hot breath against her face. “It is not favorable for women to speak their minds.”

Mattie clenched her jaw, swallowing her retort. She knew she had to be careful, bide her time and find a way to escape. Isaac might have the upper hand now, but she refused to let him break her spirit.

Isaac released her and took a step back, a cruel smile curling his lips. “I recognize that look,” he jeered. “It is hope. You think that Lord Winston is going to save you. Don’t you? ”

“I do,” Mattie replied, her voice steady.

Isaac’s smile grew. “How, pray tell, do you think he is going to do that?” he asked. “He is a barrister, or should I say a sheep farmer?”

Mattie bit her lower lip before saying, “He will find a way.”

“If you believe that, you are a bigger fool than he is,” Isaac declared. “If Lord Winston fails to bring Sarah and my son to me, then you will die. Make no mistake of that.”

Mattie lowered her gaze, not knowing what else to do. She trusted Winston, and she knew he wouldn’t leave her here to die. However, she hoped that he wouldn’t sacrifice his aunt and her son, either.

Isaac removed a pocket watch from his jacket and studied it. “Your betrothed should be here soon,” he said. “I suppose we shall see how truly important you are to him.”

“He isn’t my betrothed,” Mattie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No?” Isaac asked. “I find that odd since you two have spent a considerable amount of time with one another since I have arrived.”

Mattie brought her gaze up. “We are friends.”

Isaac gave her an amused look. “You can tell yourself whatever you want, but you would be wrong,” he said. “You’d think you would be pleased that you snagged a lord.” He paused. “Unless you are disappointed you didn’t turn Lord Dunsby’s head?”

She pressed her lips together. “I have never been interested in Lord Dunsby, at least in that way.”

“Not like how you feel about Lord Winston?” Isaac tsked. “I got tired of watching you two together. You two were so engrossed with one another that you failed to realize how often I came around.”

“What is it that you want me to say?” she asked, tilting her chin.

Isaac’s eyes held a sinister glint. “You can try to pretend to be brave, but we both know it is just an act.” He took a step towards her, and she stumbled backwards, desperate to keep distance between them. “I promise that if I do have to kill you, it will be quick.”

Mattie’s eyes went wide as she stared back at Isaac, attempting to stay strong. But with every word that Isaac said, her resolve slipped further.

Isaac performed an exaggerated bow. “I will be back shortly, my dear. Until then, continue to make yourself at home.”

Once Isaac departed from the barn, Mattie’s eyes roamed the old structure, desperately seeking an escape route. She approached the walls, pressing against the old wooden boards, hoping to find a loose one. But they were all firmly in place.

The sound of rats scurrying along the rafters caught her attention, and she let out a shudder. Her situation seemed hopeless, but she knew she had to stay strong. Winston would come for her. She was sure of that. For now, she needed to find a way to survive until he did.

One thing was certain—if she ever had a chance to speak to Winston again, she would tell him how she felt about him. She loved him. She had tried so hard to fight against that revelation, but she could deny it no longer. And the fact that he told her that he cared for her gave her hope that he felt the same.

Furthermore, she needed to ask Emma why she had never given her that letter. Her sister was many things, but she wasn’t forgetful. Had she kept the letter away from her on purpose? If so, why would Emma have done such a thing?

Mattie turned her attention back towards the wood boards and noticed a sliver of light coming from one in the back. She approached it and noticed that the nails were loose. Even if she were able to remove the nails, was that enough room for her to slip through ?

As she debated what she should do, the barn door creaked open and Isaac stepped back in, his face twisted into a dark scowl. “What are you doing?” he growled, his voice laced with suspicion.

Mattie spun back around, her heart racing with fear. “I heard a rat,” she lied, hoping her voice sounded somewhat convincing.

“Stupid chit,” Isaac muttered, his eyes narrowing. “It is almost time to see if you are going to live another day or die.”

Her heart sank at his words, but she summoned all her courage to stand firm. She truly hoped that this was not the end for her.