Chapter 20

CHAPTER

a

20

L ola sat in a hired cab that was parked down the block from Jackson's town house. She'd reveled until dawn with Nell Parsons and the bright morning sunshine was making her head ache.

She didn't particularly like Nell, but the younger woman possessed an accurate view of her spot in the world. She was a survivor and Lola figured she ought to study her and learn a few of her tricks.

Arthur Cronenworth had encountered some significant financial difficulties, so Nell had been forced to reevaluate her situation. She was searching for a new protector, and in light of how clever she was, Lola imagined she'd find one without too much trouble.

Arthur's membership at his various clubs had been revoked, and Nell's landlord had been sniffing around because Arthur hadn't paid her rent in months and the man wanted his money. Nell didn't have it and she was packing her bags and preparing to move in with some other dancers.

Rumors were swirling that someone—Lola assumed it had been Jackson—had called in Arthur's markers, so he was ruined. Since he was a sycophant who tried too hard to fit in and be popular, no one liked him, and he was the topic of unrelenting scorn and mockery. Nell had had enough and was about to bolt.

What about Lola? She couldn't believe Jackson truly meant to set her aside. It was deranged behavior and she didn't understand it. Something had to have happened to push him to such a bizarre ledge, and if she could glean some hint of the problem, she could devise a solution to mend their rift.

She was certain, if she could just talk to him, they could end their quarrel. Then again, she'd had too much to drink, and she hadn't been to bed yet, so it was possible that she wasn't clearly assessing the circumstances. She'd convinced herself that she could saunter over and enter the house. She wouldn't even knock. She'd simply waltz in and demand to be served breakfast in the dining room.

Jackson wasn't cruel. If she swore she was starving, he wouldn't kick her out.

She reached for the latch and was about to climb out of the vehicle when the front door opened and a female emerged. She was attired in a stylish cloak and bonnet, so she wasn't a servant, and she was carrying a packed satchel, as if she'd spent the night.

Lola scowled. Might she be a whore from Jackson's brothel, one who'd agreed to a private visit? Lola had just been tossed out! Was he already having harlots tend him?

She focused in and it occurred to her that the woman looked familiar. As she walked toward Lola, Lola realized it was Theodora Cronenworth. Her temper exploded. For weeks, she'd suspected that Jackson was having an affair with the annoying tart and the proof had finally been revealed.

Apparently, Miss Cronenworth was no better than she had to be, and Lola was jealous and very greedy. Jackson was hers and always would be. How dare the little trollop presume she could glom onto him?

She neared and Lola clambered out to block her way. Miss Cronenworth was marching along, staring at her feet, so she didn't notice.

"Miss Cronenworth!" Lola snapped. "Why are you sneaking out of Jackson's home so early in the day?"

Miss Cronenworth glanced up and frowned. "Miss Carter? What are you doing here?"

Lola was excellent at fabrication and quick thinking and she brashly lied. "Jackson asked me to meet him. You're hogging my place in his life, and I've had to leave for a bit, so I don't taint your exalted presence. He's taking me to breakfast."

"He told me he'd parted with you for good," the pathetic snot said.

Lola snickered. "He's an adept liar."

"You haven't parted? Is that what you're claiming?"

"It's not what I'm claiming . It's the truth. He's been dying to seduce you and it appears he has. Did you like it?"

Miss Cronenworth blew out a heavy breath. "I suppose there's a reason you're determined to converse with me, but I'd really rather not."

She tried to stomp on by, but Lola grabbed her arm and said, "I know his preferences. He'll dabble with you until a different pretty girl catches his eye, then he'll throw you away like spoiled milk. He can be fickle, but I don't mind his philandering. When he grows bored with his innocent maidens, he always comes back to me."

"I'm delighted to hear it," Miss Cronenworth snidely retorted. "You two deserve each other and I'm sure you'll be blissfully happy together."

She yanked away and stormed off and Lola let her go without uttering another taunting comment. The irritating shrew lived across the street, but she didn't head for home, which was odd. She was misbehaving with Jackson, so perhaps her relatives had cast her out because of it.

It was a relief that Jackson hadn't invited her to move in, but whatever was transpiring between them, she couldn't be allowed to usurp Lola's spot by Jackson's side. Their burgeoning amour had to be stopped, but what was the best method to be shed of her?

Lola climbed into the cab and decided to return to her rented room. By bumping into Miss Cronenworth, she'd lost the bravado required to bluster into Jackson's house. Instead, she would sequester herself and ponder her options.

She settled on the seat, as a carriage pulled up and a neighbor exited from it and entered the Cronenworth residence. It had to be Mrs. Cronenworth. The hefty, ugly woman was wearing the white dress and red sash of the hated Matron's Brigade, so she must have just been at one of the group's ridiculous protests.

Evidently, the Cronenworth family included a bunch of pious busybodies. Miss Cronenworth was dallying with Jackson, engaging in the precise type of conduct that the Brigade worked to expose, and Lola deemed such hypocrisy to be hilarious. Was Mrs. Cronenworth aware of her stepdaughter's fall from grace? If she learned of it, how might she respond?

Lola figured she should find out.

v

Georgina sat in her front parlor, but she couldn't focus on any task. Dark forces were swirling on the fringe of her world, like evil demons eager to pounce when she least expected it. Disaster was swiftly approaching. What form would it take?

At the most recent rally of the Matron's Brigade, rumors had been flying about Arthur, about the import company, about their banks and mortgages. The other members had constantly peeked at her, as if calculating how steep her plunge would be.

Her sister, Gertrude, had been the most annoying. There had been stories about Georgina at her husband's club. It was being bandied that her bills weren't being paid, that her accounts were closed everywhere. Her cook had just received the dreadful news from their butcher that no more credit would be extended. There would be no roast for supper.

Arthur was upstairs, loafing in his bedchamber. Lord Thornhill had accosted him and—for no purpose Arthur could discern—had pummeled him bloody. His nose was broken, some ribs too, and his eyes were black and blue. He was terrified to walk outside, for fear that Lord Thornhill might assault him a second time.

She blamed their troubles on Theodora. If she'd simply wed Arthur as Georgina had planned, none of this would be happening. A few days prior, Theo had waltzed off with Lord Thornhill, and Georgina had no idea where she was, but there would have to be a reckoning.

Theo had called Georgina a thief and a liar, but after Theo's father, Harold, had died, Georgina had done what any sane, rational woman would have done. She'd still had three children to support, that being Arthur, Charlotte, and Theo, so she refused to feel guilty.

Harold should never have named Benedict as the trustee to the estate. Benedict had been an insipid fool who hadn't had the sense God gave a gnat. When his mental faculties had started to fail, when Georgina had swooped in and coerced him to sign over his authority, it had been the only logical course.

Georgina had saved herself, and she'd saved Theo too, and she wouldn't apologize for her shrewd resolution of the dire situation. She'd used Theo's money to maintain their elevated style of living and she wasn't sorry. Why would she be?

Theo hadn't listened to Georgina's explanations, and now, everything was wrecked. Theo's selfishness had imperiled them all and Georgina would make her suffer. She wasn't sure how, but she would eventually get even.

The butler brought in the mail, and as he handed it to her, the cocky oaf had the gall to inquire about the staff's wages—as if Georgina didn't realize they hadn't been compensated in months. She sent him out of the room, with a furious scolding and the announcement that everyone would be paid when they were paid. She wouldn't be interrogated by a servant.

She leafed through the pile of letters and one envelope was official-looking in a manner that was unnerving. She opened it and saw that it was from that fiend, Attorney Boswell Coswell. He'd notified her that a court hearing was about to be held and she had a right to attend if she could bestir herself.

The cheeky missive had her so angry that she didn't bother to read all of it. He'd been writing to her forever, demanding his sister's inheritance, and Georgina would be dead in her grave before she'd give him a penny!

She tore the document in half, then tossed it in the fire. Out of sight, out of mind, was her opinion.

There was another letter, and it was from the housekeeper at Peachtree. The woman had previously worked for Georgina, and she was keen to apprise Georgina that Theo had arrived and would be staying indefinitely. There was curiosity underlying her words, where she was slyly hoping Georgina would clarify what was transpiring.

Georgina wouldn't though. Theo's fit of pique was their private business and Georgina wasn't about to share the gory details. But Georgina was delighted to have discovered Theo's whereabouts. Once she figured out how to punish Theo, she knew where she was hiding.

A knock sounded on the front door, and a footman answered, then chatted with a female. Shortly, the boy peeked in to check if Georgina would confer with a visitor.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"She wouldn't supply her name, but she claims you'll be glad to speak with her."

Georgina was in such a foul mood that she couldn't imagine conversing with anyone, but before she could decline, the blasted woman barged in. She was dressed in black, as if she were a widow, and her bonnet had a black veil, so her face was obscured.

She was tall, voluptuous, and very imperious, and she waved the footman out and pulled up a chair. Her audacity was shocking, but Georgina had no opportunity to complain about it because she leapt in with, "I have information about your stepdaughter, Theodora."

"Really?" Georgina sneered. "Why would I have to receive it from a stranger? If I have a question for her, I'll ask her myself."

"That's not what I heard. I heard she's called off her engagement to Arthur and run away from home. I heard you've had no further contact with her."

Georgina scowled. Was the entire accursed city tittering about them?

"Who are you?" she asked. "I insist you leave immediately. You've aggravated me beyond my limit and I'm too vexed to be pestered by you."

"Wouldn't you like to know how Theodora has been keeping herself busy? Wouldn't you like me to tell you?"

Georgina was dying to find out what Theo had been doing since Lord Thornhill had whisked her away. It involved dealings with that cur, Coswell, but Georgina wouldn't mention it.

"I'm not interested in her antics," Georgina told her, "and you need to depart."

As if Georgina hadn't ordered her out, the rude harpy continued talking. "She has been carrying on a torrid carnal affair with Lord Thornhill."

Georgina scoffed with derision. "She has not."

"She's living in sin with him—right across the street from you! She's been joining him in his bed, as if she's the lowest type of prostitute."

"Theo wouldn't disgrace herself."

"Wouldn't she? You're a member of the Matron's Brigade and I was certain you should learn of her immorality. What if the group found out about it and realized you had let it flourish without consequence?"

The comment rattled Georgina. Her participation in the Brigade was the only small joy she had left. The rallies made her feel popular and important. What if Theo was sinning, but Georgina didn't rein her in? What ramifications might ensue?

"The Brigade doesn't level charges without evidence or witnesses," she said, hedging, stalling, "so if I'm to consider your allegation, you must reveal your identity. Otherwise, it would be rank gossip, which we don't condone."

The veiled woman hemmed and hawed, then said, "I don't dare provide my name, but I will divulge my connection to the debacle, so you understand that I possess valid details. If I'm forthcoming, will you take action against her?"

"Oh, yes. I have numerous issues to address with her and I've been looking for a reason to begin a castigation."

"I need her out of his life. For good."

Georgina shrugged. "I can't promise any penalties unless you're frank with me."

"You must swear I can be an anonymous source."

"Fine. You can remain anonymous. So what is your information and how have you acquired it?"

"I am Lord Thornhill's sister. I'm cordial with his housekeeper and she is in an absolute dither about Theodora. There are young, impressionable housemaids on the premises who've observed her mischief. The housekeeper is outraged that he would behave so wickedly, but she's afraid to scold him."

"No, I suppose she can't."

"Will that be enough?"

"Yes, that's plenty," Georgina said.

"I'm weary of your stepdaughter. I want her to go away, and whatever conclusion you select, please ensure that she never returns to plague me."

"I will do that."

She and her veiled guest nodded, as if they'd become conspirators in Theo's destruction. Then the woman stood and marched out without another word.

Georgina relaxed on her chair, her mind awhirl as she pondered a suitable punishment for Theo.

Theo had initiated many processes that were converging to ruin Georgina. Georgina probably couldn't stop them, but she could guarantee that Theo paid a steep price for her role in what was about to occur. Georgina had been furnished with potent ammunition to bring about Theo's downfall and Georgina would be happy to use it.

It was a crime for a single maiden to blithely fornicate with a bachelor, and if a bastard child was sired, it was such a serious infraction that a girl could be transported to the penal colonies as a public nuisance. How hard would it be to achieve that ending?

Georgina didn't imagine it would be very hard at all.

v

Theo was seated in a rear parlor at Peachtree Manor. After Jackson had proposed, then urged her to rush to the altar, she'd come to her senses and fled. She'd like to be furious with Cedric Bennett, but she was actually relieved that he'd been so indiscreet. He'd blabbed secrets that had been hidden from her and she had to figure out where she was headed.

Jackson had been out running errands when she'd tiptoed away, so she'd been able to sneak off without having to quarrel. She was certain he'd have tried to prevent her from leaving, and she was struggling to deduce what his motive might have been.

Would it have been genuine concern for her welfare? Or would it have been his determined plan to guard her until he was her husband? Whenever she was with him, he overwhelmed her to the point where she couldn't think straight. She'd needed to escape his mesmerizing presence, so she could reflect without being distracted.

She'd strolled out the door, unnoticed by any of the staff, but she'd had few options as to a destination. Peachtree had seemed best and she'd purchased a ticket on the public coach and had shown up unannounced. The servants had been a bit astonished to see her, but they'd welcomed her and had made her comfortable.

The place was empty and quiet, so it offered many opportunities for peaceful contemplation. Unfortunately, her problems were so vast, and her choices so difficult, that she couldn't decide how to view Jackson's conduct. She was so fond of him and had been excited to be his wife, but what was the truth about his dealings with Arthur? What was the truth about his doxy, Miss Carter?

Most particularly, what should her opinion be about Cedric and her mother? The scandal had erupted twenty years earlier, so it felt like ancient history. Did it matter that he was the roué who'd absconded with her? Theo had finally learned his identity, but so what? Did it change anything? Did it mean anything?

The questions daunted her, and she was spinning in circles, with no resolution on any issue. One step forward, then three steps back.

A commotion flared in the front of the house, and it sounded as if a crowd of people had arrived, but she couldn't guess who it might be. She hadn't informed anyone of her whereabouts, except for Mr. Coswell, and she'd asked him not to reveal her location to others, mainly so he wouldn't mention it to Jackson.

She rose to her feet, but before she could walk out to ascertain who had barged in, they stomped toward her, their strides heavy with purpose. To her stunned astonishment, Georgina strutted in. She was attired in the uniform of the Matron's Brigade—white gown, red sash—and she was accompanied by Vicar Johnson who prayed with the group after their protests. He was a stern, pompous bully who seemed to hate women and whom Theo had never liked.

They were followed by three hulking brutes who appeared to be angry and dangerous, and Theo was a tad alarmed. Obviously, they were about to have a skirmish and the notion left her furious and exhausted.

Wasn't it enough that Georgina had deceived and stolen from Theo? Wasn't it enough that she'd let Arthur squander so much of her money? That she'd let him spend extravagantly on his mistress? Wasn't it enough that she'd constantly excused his wastrel ways?

If Theo ultimately discovered that they had frittered away every penny and asset, she wouldn't be surprised in the least.

"What are you doing here, Georgina?" she said, her exasperation clear. "I have no desire to speak with you and I have a lawyer now. I suggest—if you're eager to nag—you confer with him instead of me."

Georgina addressed her in a formal manner, as if they were strangers. "Miss Cronenworth, I am a deputized official of the court. I have a warrant that allows your arrest."

The comment was so peculiar that, initially, Theo wondered if Georgina wasn't involved in some sort of prank. But she studied her expression and this was no trick. Georgina was deadly serious.

"What are you talking about?" Theo asked. "My arrest on what charge?"

"You have been indicted for moral turpitude."

Theo laughed. "Are you joking?"

"You are a harlot who has engaged in illicit fornication with a bachelor and who has received compensation for your efforts. It's a case of prostitution, plain and simple."

"What insanity is this? Who is this unnamed oaf who has tickled my fancy?"

"Jackson Bennett, Lord Thornhill." Georgina breezily declared it, and at her citing him, Theo's knees weakened and she could barely remain standing.

"Lord Thornhill?" she blustered. "He's an earl! Can you really presume he would deign to notice a female of my low status?"

"He is a notorious lecher, and we have an affidavit, signed by a witness. Her words condemn you, so there can be no denying the allegation."

The conversation was too bizarre to fathom and Theo was practically dizzy with dismay. "Who is the witness? I demand you tell me at once!"

"It is the Earl's very own sister." Georgina crowed the revelation.

"The Earl doesn't have a sister, so I'm betting it was his mistress. If she told you they were siblings, she was lying. She's a jealous shrew who was envious of my friendship with him."

Vicar Johnson puffed himself up and chimed in with, "You admit your liaison? For shame, Miss Cronenworth! For shame!"

"He's our neighbor! We're cordial. That's it. There's never been any impropriety between us and Lord Thornhill is a gentleman. I won't listen to you denigrating him."

"We beg to differ about his character," the Vicar said, "so we feel free to denigrate him. As to you, how dare you disgrace your family! How dare you disgrace your stepmother! After everything she's done for you, it's an outrage to have you maligning her."

"She's a thief," Theo said. "Her reputation is destroyed, but it's her own fault."

The Vicar gasped with offense and Georgina said to him, "Do you see what I mean? She's an insolent child who's never shown me the respect I am due."

"Yes, I see, Mrs. Cronenworth," he replied, "and I'm sorry that she's been such a burden."

Theo tsked with disdain. "Stop discussing me as if I'm not here."

"Fine," Georgina said, "we can return to the topic confronting us. You are guilty of debauchery, which is a crime against the citizens of the kingdom. An unwed maiden such as yourself is not permitted to carry on so wickedly and you have been ruled a public nuisance. I accuse you on behalf of the Matron's Brigade."

Georgina sauntered over and slapped some papers into Theo's hand. Theo was so startled that she clasped hold, but she didn't glance at them. She was too unnerved by the mention of her affair with Jackson. Apparently, Lola Carter had wreaked some bitter vengeance on Theo and Theo was terrified.

When she'd unleashed Mr. Coswell on Georgina, she'd known Georgina would be upset, but she hadn't focused enough on how Georgina might lash out. While Theo had been taking legal steps to salvage property and money, Georgina had taken legal steps to have Theo charged and punished.

How had she managed it? Had she truly appeared before a judge? Or had she bribed some petty official to bestow a power she oughtn't to have? Theo didn't suppose it mattered. At the moment, Georgina was in control and Theo had no allies in the room. She couldn't prevent whatever Georgina had engineered. What fate might it be?

She would have liked to storm out, but there was only one door, and the three thuggish men were blocking it. They were glaring so maliciously that she suspected, if she tried to leave, they would physically restrain her.

Georgina had tossed out the Matron's Brigade as the driving force behind her antics and Theo said, "I don't recognize your authority or that of the Brigade. They're a horrid group of hypocrites and none of you has any right to accost me."

"Our authority is clarified in the pages you're holding."

"I don't care what's printed on them. I don't intend to comply."

Vicar Johnson asked Georgina, "Must we continue debating with her?"

"No, we're finished." Georgina gestured to the men. "Escort her out. We have to get her back to London as quickly as we can."

Theo blanched. "I'm not traveling to London with you. You are deranged if you expect I will."

"It's not up to you," Georgina grimly spat.

One of the men lumbered over and said, "Let's go, Miss Cronenworth. We'd hate to be cruel to you, so please don't raise a fuss."

"I'm not traveling to London!" Theo repeated. "I most especially am not obliging Georgina on any issue, so it's a waste of breath to bully me."

The man sighed, as if Theo was being a brat. Another man produced a rope, and before Theo could blink, they'd tied it around her wrists, as if she were a dangerous felon. They surrounded her and ordered her to walk outside. She refused to obey them, but she was a tiny woman. They simply lifted her and whisked her out.

They had a carriage waiting to transport her to the city, and they pitched her into it, the men climbing in too, to ensure she couldn't leap out. Georgina had brought a second carriage, probably so she wouldn't have to be sequestered with Theo as they rode to town. She and Vicar Johnson stood in the driveway, watching the preparations for departure.

The whole scene was so unusual that it unfolded like a dream. Or maybe a nightmare. It didn't seem real. Theo was still clutching the papers Georgina had delivered and she leaned over and threw them out the window. A few of them hit Georgina, then they fluttered to the ground.

"This won't stop what's winging in your direction," Theo told her. "Lord Thornhill and Mr. Coswell are seizing my assets and shutting you out. Despite how you squawk and attempt mischief, you'll still lose what you've stolen."

"You may be correct," Georgina said, "but when I face my reckoning, I'll be consoled by the fact that I was able to destroy you too."

"Lord Thornhill will find out how you've treated me, and he won't kill you, but he'll likely kill Arthur. Your idiotic, wastrel son should beware."

The comment had Vicar Johnson snorting with outrage and he muttered, "Ungrateful child."

Theo shot him a lethal glower. "I'll have him murder you too."

Georgina shrieked with dismay. "You would threaten a vicar, Theodora? Is that how corrupt you've grown?"

"If Lord Thornhill won't kill him, he'll rip off his cleric's collar and have his position in the church revoked. I hope he has an income source other than preaching. If not, he'll soon be very poor."

Theo had no idea how Jackson would ever learn of her dilemma, and even if he did, she couldn't predict if he'd inflict any punishment on the vile pair, but she liked to pretend he would. With her being caught in the middle of the appalling situation, what alternative was there but to bluster and warn?

"Sit back, Miss Cronenworth," her guard said. "There's no need to hurl insults. It won't change the outcome."

"Yes, but it's made me feel so much better."

The driver called to the horses and they lurched away. She managed a final glimpse of Georgina, and she was smirking, proud of the conclusion she'd wrought. Vicar Johnson was patting her on the shoulder. It had been a fine day's work for them.

Theo vowed vengeance. What could it be? Geogina wasn't the only Cronenworth with a temper and Theo would get even. She swore she would. In the meantime, she relaxed as the man had demanded. She was in deep trouble and she had to focus on how to escape it. Until she could save herself, Georgina would just have to wait.

v

Boswell Coswell rode up the lane to Peachtree. He had documents for Miss Theo to sign, but he was also anxious to check on her. He didn't like how she'd fled London, how she was by herself with no allies and no friends. He wanted her to realize that he was her friend, and on his end, there was no downside to assisting a rich person.

She was about to be wealthy and settled. Well, settled anyway. Currently, the wealth part was questionable, but he had a keen mind, and if he could persuade her to trust him, he could help Lord Thornhill run the shipping company once they had full control. It could be successful again; he simply had to convince her that he was smart enough to be in charge.

He'd traveled to the country on horseback, rather than in a carriage, and because he'd been born and raised in the city, he wasn't much of an equestrian. But the horse had been the cheaper and quicker option, so he was trotting along, his teeth clacking with each clop of the animal's hooves. If he arrived without falling out of the saddle, it would be a miracle.

As he neared the manor, he was alarmed to see two carriages parked in the driveway. The front door opened, and to his great shock, Miss Theo was led out by a trio of vicious men. Her wrists were bound, as if she was under arrest. Georgina Cronenworth exited too, with a thin, bald vicar who appeared stern and grumpy.

What was happening? Obviously, Mrs. Cronenworth was engaged in perfidy. Boswell had had his own dealings with her, so he was aware of how malicious she could be. Miss Theo hadn't known to be afraid of her stepmother and he'd failed to sufficiently caution her.

He urged his horse into the trees and spied on them as Miss Theo was lifted into the first vehicle, then she and her stepmother traded harsh words, but he was too far away to hear the content. Mrs. Cronenworth and the vicar climbed in the second vehicle, and the three men climbed in with Miss Theo. Were they her guards?

The possibility that she was under arrest grew more likely. For what crime though? What transgression could she have committed that would have warranted incarceration? Every institution in the nation was corrupt, the courts and prisons especially, so Mrs. Cronenworth could have bribed people to bring about any result she sought.

They rolled away, a disturbing cavalcade, and he remained where he was until they'd passed on by. Then he followed them at a careful distance. He thought about galloping up and stopping them, declaring himself to be Miss Theo's lawyer and demanding she be released into his custody, but he was small in stature, and no brawler, and he didn't like the look of those burly guards.

Stealth seemed the wiser plan. He would trail after them to their destination, then figure out his next step. The past few days, he'd been traipsing about London with Lord Thornhill, and while Boswell wasn't vain enough to assert that they were chums, he would definitely describe them to be associates.

Thornhill had the power to resolve a situation as he, Boswell, never could. Whatever Georgina had arranged, Jackson Bennett would intervene and halt it. Boswell had no doubt at all, and Mrs. Cronenworth's nonsense would be one more sin for which Lord Thornhill would make her pay.

v

"Be silent, Cedric."

"Would you quit blaming me?"

Jackson glared at his father and said, "Who should I blame instead? The elves in the forest?"

"Why would I have been watching her? And besides, who would have guessed she'd sneak off? Even if I had been more alert, she wasn't our prisoner. She was free to come and go as she pleased."

They were discussing how Theo had vanished without a trace. The morning Cedric had distressed her, she'd locked herself in her bedchamber, and Jackson hadn't had the ability to calm her. He'd headed out to meet with Mr. Coswell and he hadn't returned until later that evening. It wasn't until supper was served that they'd realized she'd fled.

No one had observed her tiptoeing out, so he had no idea when she'd left. He also had no idea of where she might be staying. He was positive it wouldn't have been across the street with her stepmother, but just in case, he'd had a footman knock on the servant's door to inquire about her. They hadn't seen her, and other than that location, he couldn't imagine where she might be.

He assumed she had friends in London, and probably other, saner relatives too, but he was such a conceited ass that he'd never bothered to ask her about her personal life, cousins, or acquaintances. If someone had offered her shelter, he had no way of learning who it might be.

"She could be trapped in any kind of bad predicament," Jackson said. "She's estranged from her family and she's never had two pennies to rub together."

Cedric snickered. "She'll have plenty now that you've yanked Arthur out of the bank accounts. You lucky dog."

"Shut up, Cedric!" Jackson sighed with exasperation. "Have you noticed it's the only comment anyone ever spews in your direction? The whole world is weary of your foolishness."

"I've always viewed you as a very clever boy, but even so, I'm stunned by your hasty decision to wed her. It was a master stroke of genius."

"I'm marrying her because I adore her."

"I'm certain you do. She's sweet and pretty, but she'll soon be rich too, and in my experience, a female is much more beautiful when she's wealthy."

"She won't be rich immediately," Jackson said. "Arthur ran HH Imports into the ground, so it's practically on its last legs. It will require years of effort to move it into the black."

Cedric shrugged. "So you'll get it thriving again. You're very competent and very determined. You'll fix what's wrong and we'll be fine."

"I'm merely pointing out that I'm not marrying her for her money—despite what you persuaded her to believe about me. At the moment, she doesn't have any money, so don't claim I'm a fortune-hunter."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

They were at the town house, in the dining room and having breakfast. From the minute he'd discovered Theo to be missing, he and his father had been bickering. Both about Cedric having such a big mouth, but about Jackson's motives for proposing.

He was incredibly fond of her, perhaps even in love, and he wouldn't tolerate any snide remarks about his reasons. For pity's sake, he was an earl! A national hero! It was exhausting to have his integrity questioned and he was tired of defending himself.

A footman rushed in and said, "Sir, the lawyer is here. Coswell? He insists it's urgent. Will you speak with him?"

"Yes, of course. Show him in."

The man went to fetch Coswell, and shortly, he hurried in. Jackson gestured to the buffet on the sideboard. "Have you eaten? Will you join us?"

"There's no time for food," Coswell said. "Georgina Cronenworth has had Miss Theo arrested. She's locked away at Newgate Prison."

"She's what?" Cedric huffed as Jackson asked, "On what charge?"

"I bribed the guards for information, and apparently, it was moral turpitude. Mrs. Cronenworth alleges she had an affair with a scoundrel, and that horrid Matron's Brigade requested her prosecution."

Jackson and Cedric exchanged a shocked glance, but didn't reply. They weren't confused about the identity of the scoundrel, but they weren't about to admit it.

"She was swept up for engaging in an amour?" Jackson said. "This is too bizarre to fathom and it can't be true. The accusation has to be manufactured."

"I completely agree," Coswell said, "but I'm not surprised by how Mrs. Cronenworth has lashed out. In my dealings with her, I've found her to be quite vicious."

"She can't suppose I'll sit idly by and allow her to succeed."

"I'm betting she thinks you'll never find out," Coswell said. "I stumbled on the shameful debacle by accident. If I hadn't personally witnessed the incident, who would have known what happened? Miss Theo would have vanished."

"Too right, Coswell," Cedric mused, then to Jackson, "What will you do?"

"I'll have her released at once of course. Then I'll guarantee Georgina Cronenworth is sorry forever."