Chapter 21

CHAPTER

a

21

T heo sat on a bench in a dank, dark hallway at Newgate Prison. So far, she'd spent a dreary, chilly night in the awful facility. Nothing horrid had happened to her, so she hadn't been hurt or frightened, which was a blessing. The place was notorious for roaming criminals, assaults, thieving, and even murders.

She needed help, and she'd asked to write to the two people she could conceive of who might have assisted her, that being Jackson and Mr. Coswell, but her request had been denied.

When she'd arrived, several other women had been processed with her, and they'd been prostitutes, swept up for delinquency. All of them had been arrested previously, so they were veterans of the system, and they were experts at wading through it.

They'd deemed Theo's dilemma to be hilarious, and they'd taken her under their collective wing, as if she were an abandoned child who required protection. She didn't feel innocent or weak though. She was angrier than she'd ever been, and if she could figure out how to be released, there was no predicting how she would lash out.

What type of country was it when false charges could be leveled and believed? She'd always been a law-abiding, model citizen, and look what had been allowed to occur! It was an outrage.

The other harlots had spoken to a magistrate and paid a fine, then they'd left. The last one had just waved goodbye to Theo and had been escorted to the gate. Theo was the only one of the original group who was still locked away. The whores had offered to post Theo's bail, which she'd deemed to be incredibly kind, but the magistrate had refused to permit it, and she'd been apprised that she wouldn't be able to ever post it. So…

Georgina intended that she never be freed, but what was the end result she was hoping to achieve? Theo had staggered in with just the clothes on her back, with no money for bribes, food, or blankets. Would she remain incarcerated until she died from cold and hunger? Until she was slain by another inmate?

There were rumors circulating that a ship was about to transport some convicts to the penal colonies. Probably Australia. There was no information as to how candidates would be selected for the journey, but Theo was terrified that Georgina might have somehow put Theo's name on the list.

She assumed she was about to be returned to the women's area, where she would try to wedge herself into some other cluster of females. Most everybody appeared as stunned as she was to be there and it was dangerous to have no allies. It was an easy way to vanish.

A guard lumbered up and said, "You're Miss Cronenworth, yes? Theodora Cronenworth? Will you come with me please?"

"I'm not sure if I will. Where are you heading?"

Her harlot-friends had whispered that she should never be alone with a guard, despite how he pressured her. It was important advice, so her pulse was definitely racing.

But he calmed her by saying, "I'm to bring you to the warden."

"Why there?"

"I have no idea. I'm just the messenger. I was sent to fetch you."

He was an obese, older fellow and he didn't seem vicious or deceitful. Maybe he would really convey her to the warden. She decided she would follow him for a bit of a distance, but if he began leading her to an isolated spot, she would scream and run. Not that anyone would intervene, but if she was to be harmed in the appalling dungeon, she would go down fighting.

They went down some twisting halls, and shortly, they were passing offices where clerks toiled away at desks and were carrying out written tasks. She breathed a sigh of relief.

He stopped at an open door, peeked in, and said, "She's here, sir."

"Show her in," a man replied.

As she approached, she was shaking like a leaf. She hated to be so fearful, but she'd been hideously abused. What new indignity would be imposed? What new bribe had Georgina shelled out to further wound her? She straightened her shoulders and forced herself to march in.

The warden was a small and tidy man, standing behind his desk, and he said, "Miss Cronenworth! I appreciate you joining us. This is your lucky day."

She glanced about and saw the best sight she would ever see: Jackson and Mr. Coswell were there and waiting for her. Mr. Coswell looked like the fastidious lawyer he was, but Jackson had outdone himself and looked particularly magnificent. He was wearing his army uniform, his coat covered with ribbons and medals, and in the drab space, the red color was especially vibrant. There was no question that he was dynamic and powerful, a champion who would brook no argument or nonsense.

She yearned to fall into his arms and weep like a baby, but there was a formal air in the room that made her suppose it shouldn't be attempted.

"There you are!" Jackson said. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. A tad rattled, but fine. How did you know where I was?"

"Mr. Coswell was riding up the lane at Peachtree when Georgina was dragging you off. He trailed after you, then notified me so we could retrieve you."

"Thank you so much," she said to Mr. Coswell. "I'll never be able to repay you for helping me."

Coswell's cheeks reddened. "My great regret is that you had to spend the night in this foul place. I'm sorry for that."

The warden said to her, "Lord Thornhill tells me that you're his fiancée."

Theo didn't hesitate. She'd hemmed and hawed about their engagement and whether she ought to sever it. But why would she? It didn't matter what motives were driving him to wed her. When she'd desperately needed him, he'd come immediately. That would always and forever be more than enough.

"Yes, I'm his fiancée," she said.

"Then I apologize for how you've been inconvenienced." The warden scoffed at Jackson. "In the future, my lord, you should take better care of her. With her being such a vital person in your life, I can't imagine how this folly occurred."

"Neither can I," Jackson sarcastically retorted, with both men aware of how bribery was common. "Mr. Coswell and I have a wicked enemy. She is Theodora's enemy too, and if a subsequent incident should arise, I trust you'll contact me at once. You wouldn't like to incur my wrath, so I will expect you to guarantee that this won't happen again."

The warden nodded. "I live to serve."

"Yes, it's clear that you're completely devoted to your work."

Jackson walked over to her, and he hugged her tight, as a few of her tears leaked out and wet his coat.

"It's over," he murmured. "Let's get you out of here before they change their minds."

"Don't ever leave me alone again," she said. "Promise?"

"I promise and don't worry. From now on, you'll always be safe."

He nestled her to his side, then he whisked her away, Mr. Coswell tromping along after them. The guard who'd escorted her to the office guided them to the gate. There was a crowd milling on the street, with family members trying to deliver blankets and other items to their kin, but no one was being admitted.

They hurried out, and as the bars clanged shut behind her, she shivered so violently that she could barely stay on her feet.

He'd brought his carriage, and the three of them climbed in, with Mr. Coswell on one seat, and her and Jackson snuggled together on the other. Jackson draped an arm over her shoulders and held her close, not concerned that Mr. Coswell would notice their obvious affection.

"Where are we going?" she asked as they raced away.

"For this morning, I'm taking you to my town house," Jackson said, "but I'd like to have a cadre of my footmen transport you and Mr. Coswell to Thornhill. You can loaf there and recover from your tribulations. What would you think of that? I've had some remodeling done to spruce up the lower parlors, so it will be more comfortable than you're anticipating."

She suffered a spurt of panic, being terrified to have him abandon her. "Will you come with us?"

"I will join you very soon. Before I can though, I have to speak with your relatives. Until I've had some pertinent conversations with them, I will fret about you every second. You'll be tucked away at Thornhill, with my men to protect you."

She glanced at Mr. Coswell, as if seeking his advice or permission, and he said, "It's a viable plan, Miss Theo. Your stepmother is dangerous and we should let Lord Thornhill deal with her."

Theo would be happy to rest in the country, to hide from Georgina. "I will gladly travel to Thornhill with Mr. Coswell," she said to Jackson, "but only if you swear you'll be there as fast as you can."

"I swear, and when I arrive, I will have a vicar and a Special License with me." He paused, then inquired, "If you're still sure?"

"I'm sure. I'm probably mad, and it's probably a deranged idea, but I'm sure anyway."

Mr. Coswell asked, "Are we having a wedding at Thornhill?"

Jackson grinned. "Yes, just as rapidly as I can arrange it."

"Well, isn't that something!"

Mr. Coswell beamed with delight, and Theo snuggled even closer to Jackson. Despite what transpired later on, despite how their marriage unfolded, she would never forget this perfect occasion where he'd behaved like a hero in a fable.

v

Lola was in another rented cab and parked down the block from Jackson's town house. She could see the Cronenworth house across the street from it, and apparently, some sort of problem had occurred. The windows were boarded over, and there was a chain on the front door, with two guards standing watch. Had the family been evicted? It certainly seemed as if they had.

The guards were a pair of the grizzled veterans Jackson employed as footmen, and she was flummoxed by what it indicated. Why would Jackson's servants be involved? It made no sense.

She'd been dawdling for over an hour, spying on Jackson, and eager to learn if he had a doxy tending him, but she was also curious about the Cronenworth situation. Since her discussion with Georgina Cronenworth, where she'd tattled about Theodora's whoring, she hadn't heard if any consequences had been imposed.

Lola had been keen to remain anonymous and invisible, so she hadn't provided an address where she could have received an update, so she hadn't been apprised of the circumstances. Had Theodora been chased away or not?

Suddenly, the carriage door was jerked open and a very angry man reached in and yanked her out. She was off-balance, and she staggered, then peered up to find herself staring at a furiously enraged Jackson Bennett.

"Why are you lurking here?" he demanded. "Are you checking your handiwork?"

"What are you talking about?"

"In case you're wondering, Theo is fine."

"Who is Theo?" she blithely asked.

"As if you don't know. You can't worm your way out of this debacle."

He paid her driver and waved him away, then he marched her over to his house. She should have been excited to be coming home, but from how irately he was stomping along, she didn't suppose it would be a cordial visit. She dragged her feet to halt their forward progress, but he was bigger and more livid and she couldn't slow him down.

He pulled her inside and down to his library, while she wrestled and fought to no avail. He tossed her onto a chair, then he rounded the desk and sat behind it. He studied her caustically, as if they'd never been fond a single day.

"I will give you one chance to explain yourself," he said.

"What do you mean? What must I explain?"

She figured innocence would be the best defense, but he was having none of it. "Don't play games with me. This will be the very last time you and I ever speak, so don't waste the opportunity."

"You're being ridiculous and I wish this fit of pique would wane. I'm stunned that you're so vexed with me and you can't want our split to be permanent."

His sole reply was, "One chance, Lola. Will you take it?"

"I haven't the vaguest notion of why you're so incensed. It's obvious I have no information that would suit you, so why interrogate me? What is the point?"

"Your ploy is to preen and prevaricate, so I will jump into the breach and say this: I will wed Theodora just as quickly as I can obtain a Special License."

If he'd whipped out a pistol and shot her, she couldn't have been more surprised. From the first moment she'd observed him chatting with the blasted ninny, she'd recognized his heightened interest. But marriage? Was he joking?

She scoffed with derision. "You're not shackling yourself to that little tart. Don't pretend. It's so annoying."

"I am marrying her, and as you have proved that you are a bother to me, and a danger to her, you can't be permitted to continue harassing us."

"How am I a danger to her? And how am I bothering you? I've missed you and I was about to knock and ask if you'd like to have breakfast. We could resolve some of our differences."

"You and I have no differences," he insisted, "so there is nothing to resolve. As to my fiancée—"

"Don't claim she's your betrothed. I won't listen to such nonsense."

He ignored her. "You conspired with her stepmother so she would be harmed. You interfered in my private business and it's the precise type of activity that's always irked me the most about you. You never learned to butt out."

"If I ever interfered, and I'm not admitting I have, it was for your own good."

He snorted with disgust. "Here is what I've arranged for you. You may agree to it or I will have you arrested—with that witch, Georgina Cronenworth."

She blanched with astonishment. "Arrested on what charge?"

"For starters, how about kidnapping? That's a hanging offense."

"I didn't kidnap anyone. You're being absurd."

"The accusations I level don't have to be true. Isn't that what you presumed when you condemned Theo to Mrs. Cronenworth? The problem for you is that I'm an earl, so I can produce any proof that tickles my fancy and people will believe me."

"You're the decent and noble, Jackson Bennett. Are you actually boasting that you might furnish false evidence?"

"Yes," he baldly stated. "It's recently occurred to me that, so long as you are in England, my bride will never be safe."

She had no clue how Mrs. Cronenworth had lashed out at her stepdaughter, but from how upset he was, it must have been dire, and she swallowed down a ripple of delight. Apparently, her scheming with the old harpy had been worth every minute of effort.

The smartest course was to repeatedly deny any involvement. "Theodora Cronenworth is a stranger to me and I'm unaware of her condition. I'm in no position to cross her path, so you're fretting needlessly."

"You are such a bad liar."

She huffed with feigned indignation. "Honestly! I didn't deserve that."

"It's my intent that you spend the rest of your life far removed from wherever she will be. I'm talking oceans and continents of separation."

"You could be speaking in riddles and I can't imagine what you're telling me."

"I tried to part from you with a bit of grace," he said. "I supplied you with lodging and an allowance to assist you as you altered your circumstances, but you shunned my courtesy. By attacking Theo, you have abused my kindly nature and I have no sympathy remaining."

"I didn't attack Miss Cronenworth! If she's suffered difficulties, it's none of my affair."

He ignored her again. "You have two choices: You may stay in England and be prosecuted for your crimes. I will testify against you and request that you be transported to the penal colonies."

"Transported? Are you insane?"

"I am determined to be shed of you. Your other choice is to return to India and plead with your father to welcome you back into his home. That's it: prosecution in England or groveling to your father in India."

She'd never witnessed him in such a cold rage and it dawned on her that she couldn't dissuade him. He would wed that insipid Miss Cronenworth! He really would! How could she have misjudged his sentiments so completely? She'd assumed he couldn't live without her. Now look where she was!

He stared her down, his gaze implacable and maddening, as he said, "You have thirty seconds to provide your answer. Beginning immediately. If you don't choose, I will choose for you and it will be a trial in the courts."

"This is preposterous."

"Twenty seconds."

"I won't travel to India and beg my father for forgiveness."

"Fifteen seconds."

"You were about to marry me . We would have been so happy."

"I would never have been happy. Ten seconds."

Time ticked down like a death knell. Just as it ran out, she spat, "Fine. I pick India."

She was already plotting how she'd vanish for a few weeks, and after he quit focusing on her, she'd reappear, stronger than ever. It had been her fleeting plan anyway, so she was disconcerted when he said, "Your ship is sailing tomorrow morning, with the tide."

"What? No! I can't leave that fast."

"Why can't you? I've paid your fare and the captain is waiting for you. You'll be confined though and not permitted to debark until you reach your destination." He grinned maliciously. "I paid extra for that."

"I don't consent to the stipulation."

"I don't care. The captain has a letter I've written to your father, where I've apologized for my role in your downfall. I've asked him to blame me, rather than you. I can't guess if it will help you to reconcile with him, but I have made the attempt on your behalf."

"You bastard."

"Goodbye and godspeed."

There was a bell on the desk and he rang it. Two of his burly footmen stomped in, and they were wearing their coats and hats, so they must have been loafing nearby and prepared to be summoned. She didn't move and they marched over and lifted her to her feet.

"Don't cause a scene," one of them said. "We're not in the mood to put up with you."

He clasped her arm and guided her out, as she frantically asked, "Where are we going?"

"To the ship. We've been by the boarding house and retrieved your possessions. Your trunks have been loaded in your cabin, so you don't even have to swing by your room to pack."

Her brain was racing with schemes as she wondered how long she'd be stuck in India, how quickly she'd be able to escape and return to England.

As if Jackson could read her mind, he said, "If I ever stumble on you in London, I'll have you arrested for the kidnapping. Stay with your father, Lola, and stay out of my life."

Her jaw dropped with fury. She'd been outsmarted, outfoxed, and totally manipulated. He was still seated at the desk and he'd poured himself a whiskey. He calmly sipped it, and he was frowning at her as if he couldn't figure out who she was or how she'd slithered into his library.

Then she was yanked into the hall and she realized that it was, very likely, the last glimpse she'd ever have of him.

v

Arthur knocked once to announce his arrival, then he used his key to enter the apartment he'd rented for Nell. She was his dearest beloved and he was certain she'd offer the shelter and advice he urgently needed.

Theo's severance of their betrothal had unleashed an avalanche of legal troubles. Somehow, Lord Thornhill had become her champion and he was accompanied everywhere by the annoying lawyer, Coswell. Coswell looked foolish and harmless, but he was cunning as a viper. Arthur didn't stand a chance.

Thornhill had called in Arthur's markers, so he was ruined. His club and brothel memberships had been revoked, his bank accounts closed, and HH Imports shuttered with chains over the doors. Not that Arthur ever went to the warehouses or docks, but still! It was such a monumental plunge from the high perch he'd previously enjoyed.

Coswell had a copy of Harold's Will and he'd flashed it to a dozen different judges. In case after case, the sly fiend had convinced courts to rule against Arthur, to the point where he was beggared.

Ever since Thornhill had delivered his vicious beating in that filthy alley, Arthur had been hiding, but finally, desperation had stirred him to sneak out of the house. He'd visited numerous acquaintances, in the hopes of drumming up some allies, but not a single person would receive him, which was a huge shock. Even his own mother had abandoned him. He hadn't bumped into her in several days and didn't know where she was.

After he'd flitted about town, trying to track down some of his chums, he'd headed home in defeat only to find that—while he'd been out—their residence had been seized too. The windows were boarded up and guards had been posted to keep him and Georgina away.

Where was Arthur supposed to live? And how about his poor, widowed mother? He was anxious to talk to Theo. She'd always been fond of him and she wouldn't like to hear that Thornhill was being so unreasonable.

In the end, there had been one possible destination: Nell. He tarried in her foyer, but no servants hustled up to greet him. He was her special friend, and it was outrageous for him to stroll in, but to have no one make a fuss.

He listened for noises on the upper floors, but all was silent, and he shouted up the stairs, "Nell! Are you here?"

Shortly, footsteps pounded toward the landing. She appeared, and she was dressed to depart, in a traveling gown, cloak, and bonnet. She glared down to where he hovered like a sycophant, and she was perplexed, as if he was a stranger who'd blustered in by accident.

He hadn't stopped by since the encounter with Thornhill, so she hadn't seen his bruises. She scowled and asked, "What's wrong with your face?"

"It ran into Lord Thornhill's fists. For no purpose I can explain, he caught up with me the other night and I was brutally pummeled."

She exhibited no sympathy, but simply clucked her tongue. "I don't imagine it was due to the fact that you owe him so much money and you can't pay."

"I'll pay him! Eventually. I won't oblige him when he's being such a beast."

She tsked with disgust. "Give over, Arthur. The pitiful tale is all over the city. You're broke and sinking fast."

She pushed away from the railing and stomped down to him. Her servants followed and they were carrying trunks and boxes.

"What's happening?" he said, aghast.

"How long has it been since you paid my rent?"

"It was just last week," he lied. "Why?"

"You are so full of yourself. It's been months, you scofflaw, and I'm leaving you for another man."

Her words cut him to the quick and he staggered with dismay. "But…but…I love you! We're meant to be together forever. I'm moving in, so I can be with you constantly. Won't that be grand?"

"You're deranged, Arthur, and the landlord is on his way to evict me. I'd rather not stick around to watch."

She walked out the door, the staff trailing after her, and he stood alone, debating his options. Before he could decide on a path, he was startled by someone approaching from down the hall. He'd thought the apartment was empty, but no.

A man emerged from the shadows, and when he recognized who it was, he gulped with alarm. Lord Thornhill smiled malevolently and said, "Hello, Arthur. It is I, Jackson Bennett, your most dogged nemesis."

"What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, of course. Let's go."

His bowels clenched. "To where?"

"To retrieve your mother, then I'll drop the pair of you at Newgate."

"Newgate Prison?"

Thornhill snickered. "Is there another Newgate of which I'm unaware?"

"You're being absurd. You're babbling on as if I'm about to be arrested."

"Oh, you are, Arthur, and with it being the conclusion Mrs. Cronenworth orchestrated for Theo, I figured it would be a fitting end for both of you."

Arthur gaped at him, confused by the comment. "What nonsense is this? Mother had Theo arrested?"

"Yes, but she's been released. You're taking her place—for the rest of your sorry life, if I have anything to say about it. And I'll have plenty to say."

Thornhill grabbed him and led him out, but Arthur wasn't about to meekly tag along like a lamb to the slaughter. He made one valiant attempt to wrestle free, but Thornhill sighed, as if Arthur was being an idiot. Then he punched Arthur very hard. Arthur collapsed to the ground, and after that, he remembered nothing at all, but it was probably just as well.

v

Georgina was in Vicar Johnson's front parlor and expecting her carriage to arrive so her servants could convey her home. The Vicar and his wife were in the dining room, eating breakfast. They'd been gracious hosts, but she'd declined to join them for the meal, preferring instead to rush off so she could be sequestered in her own bedchamber and celebrate Theo's downfall in private.

After bringing Theo to London and depositing her at Newgate, it had been very late and they'd been exhausted. Vicar Johnson's rectory had been near the prison and it was never wise to travel the streets in the dark.

He'd convinced her to spend the night with them, then head off in the morning. She'd accepted his invitation, but she was anxious to depart, and she was growing impatient. Where was her driver?

As she paced and repeatedly glanced out the window, a maid rushed in and handed her a note that had been furtively delivered to the cook at the rear kitchen entrance. It was from Georgina's butler and the news he imparted was so shocking that she couldn't fathom it.

That arrogant fiend, Lord Thornhill, with his lapdog Coswell, had seized the house, dismissed the staff, chained the doors, and posted guards so Georgina couldn't return. In what bizarre world could such an indignity occur? Thornhill wasn't even a real aristocrat; everyone said so. How dare he assume he had authority over her! Coswell certainly had no authority!

If Georgina was having a spat with Theo, it wasn't any of Thornhill's business. Whatever schemes Georgina had perpetrated, they had been implemented for Theo's benefit, and if Theo had simply married Arthur as they'd planned, none of this would have transpired.

Georgina's pacing became rather frantic, as she tried to devise a solution. First and foremost, she had to decide where to stay. She didn't suppose the Vicar would want a permanent guest, so her sister, Gertrude, was the only option. Gertrude's husband didn't like Georgina though, so he wouldn't be thrilled to have her move in.

But what other choice was there? The Cronenworth family had several lawyers in its ranks and she had to get them toiling away to save what could be salvaged.

Where was Arthur? If he'd been any kind of son, he'd have blocked Thornhill's mischief, but as he'd proved over and over, he couldn't be counted on in a crisis. She was on her own.

Suddenly, there was a loud pounding on the front door, then it banged open. When she realized who had stormed in, she blanched with fear. Thornhill? How had he found her? Why would he have been searching?

Even though he'd resigned his army commission the prior year, he was wearing his uniform. The coat was adorned with medals, so he appeared omnipotent, as if he couldn't be defeated by a mere mortal such as herself.

"Hello, Georgina." He was practically sneering as he stomped over to her. "I've been looking for you. Imagine my surprise at finding you tucked away with your corrupt vicar."

"You scurrilous dog! I refuse to speak to you."

"It doesn't matter if you speak to me or not. Your ending will be exactly the same, despite how you act."

The maid was hovering and Georgina said to her, "I'm afraid of this knave. Fetch Vicar Johnson. Tell him to hurry."

The girl flitted off as Thornhill chuckled and asked, "Do you think your pathetic preacher will have the nerve to tangle with me?"

"He's a man of God. He'll put you in your place."

Vicar Johnson tromped in. He studied Thornhill, then he puffed himself up and said, "May I help you? My maid informs me that you're causing trouble and you've interrupted our breakfast."

Thornhill was large and intimidating, and he sidled over to Johnson, his strides menacing, and he didn't stop until they were toe to toe.

"I'll deal with you," Thornhill told him, "after I've dealt with Mrs. Cronenworth. Once I'm through with you, I'll have your clerical collar and your job."

"Are you threatening me?" Johnson inquired, some of his bravado fading.

"Yes, definitely. You have harassed your last victim and I don't like you. Muster your forces because—when I'm finished—you'll have nothing left."

"Well, I never!" Johnson huffed.

"You accosted Theodora at Mrs. Cronenworth's behest, but were you aware she's my fiancée?"

The announcement startled Georgina and Johnson said, "She's your what?"

"You heard me. She's about to be my bride and I am livid over how you hurt her."

"I had no idea of her connection to you," Johnson stammered. "Mrs. Cronenworth didn't share the news with me. I thought she was a committed doxy."

Georgina winced. It was precisely the wrong comment, and Thornhill grabbed Johnson by his shirt and lifted him, one-handed, so they were nose to nose.

"I don't have a religious bone in my body," Thornhill said, his tone lethal and terrifying. "So your title of vicar won't protect you from my wrath. If I ever lay eyes on you again, you'll regret it forever. Now get out of my sight."

He flung the smaller man away, and Johnson staggered, then raced out, vanishing as quickly as he'd arrived. The cowardly dolt abandoned her to face Thornhill by herself.

Thornhill turned to her and said, "Shall we go?"

"Go where? I just received a note that you've seized my home."

"It was never your home. It always belonged to Theo."

"What is this about your being betrothed to her? It's the first I've learned of it and I don't give my permission."

She sounded very firm, but he scoffed. "We're not seeking your permission. From this moment on, Theo will never be any of your business."

"She'd be upset to discover how you're treating me."

" She will never know. I will never apprise her and you will never have the chance."

"It's awfully convenient that you're planning to wed her when you're a poverty-stricken gambler and she's about to inherit a prosperous company."

She'd assumed the accusation would rattle him, but he had no shame. "Yes, isn't it convenient? My father brags that I'm adept at thinking on my feet. I swooped in at the right time. Oh, and by the way, Attorney Coswell will run it for us. He'll fix what your slothful son wrecked."

"You will not reward that fiend, Coswell. I would never allow it!"

"You keep spouting off as if you still have some authority, but then, you have always existed in a fantasy land."

She bristled with offense. "I am the most lucid woman in the kingdom and I don't have to stand idly by and be insulted by you. I demand to confer with Arthur! He will wipe away that smirk of yours."

"I wouldn't count on Arthur riding to your rescue."

"He will assist me and you'll be sorry. I have important friends too. I am a founding member of the Matron's Brigade and there will be significant ramifications for your interfering with my stellar work."

"You shouldn't mention that despicable group in my presence. When I'm finished with you, I'll focus on them next. I intend to shut them down immediately."

The group had been Georgina's pride and joy and she was bereft to suppose he might bring it to an end. "We're too powerful and we have many influential allies. You'll never be able to stop us."

"I just explained, ma'am, that you live in a fantasy. I am a nobleman and I can engineer any conclusion I like. As opposed to you and your frivolous efforts, I can make mine stick."

He clasped her arm and began walking her out.

"Unhand me, you brute!" she fumed. "Whatever nonsense you've devised for me, I don't consent."

"Your consent is irrelevant."

"Where is Arthur? I must speak with him!"

"He's indisposed."

Thornhill dragged her outside and his carriage was parked on the street. His driver and outriders were there, plus two burly thugs who scared her. They saw Thornhill and they snapped to attention, as if they were soldiers and he was their commanding officer.

"Who are they?" she said, grappling to wrench away.

"They are my servants and they will escort you to Newgate."

"Newgate! Are you mad?"

"No, for once, I'm feeling very, very sane."

"On what authority would you jail me?"

"On a magistrate's authority. Didn't I clarify your dilemma? You're under arrest for larceny, fraud, kidnapping, and failure to pay your debts. Those are the original charges. I'm sure, as the weeks roll on and Mr. Coswell digs into the account ledgers, he will request that many more charges be added."

She frowned. "I haven't stolen anything. I haven't kidnapped anyone and I always pay my bills."

The servants heard her. They laughed maliciously and one of them muttered, "Tell it to the judge."

Thornhill snickered with disgust. "You tried your best to hurt Theo. I can't fathom why you had her incarcerated, but I figure you were hoping your treachery would never be exposed and that she'd die there anonymously."

Georgina was so aggrieved that she couldn't keep from spitting out, "She'd have deserved it. I struggled mightily to raise her appropriately, and she was naught but an insolent, ungrateful child."

Thornhill didn't respond to the remark. He simply said, "You orchestrated her arrest and detention, so I decided you should suffer the same humiliations. In your case though, the facts are true. And kidnapping is a capital crime."

With that, he nodded to the thugs. They stomped over, grabbed her, and tossed her into the vehicle. They latched the door, and she leapt to push it open, but she couldn't break free.

Quite frantically, she glanced around and Arthur was huddled in the corner and dabbing at his nose with a kerchief. It was bleeding profusely and his shirt was stained and likely ruined.

"We're in a pickle now, Mother, aren't we?"

"Do something, you disrespectful boy! Argue! Protest! Fight!"

"Are you joking? Fight with Thornhill? I'm terrified of him. I believe I'll remain right where I am."

"He's sending us to prison! We might be hanged!"

"Don't be so melodramatic. Theo likes me and she won't let him demand our execution. I predict we'll be transported to the penal colonies."

"Transported!" She shrieked the word.

It was exactly what she'd arranged for Theo, but somehow, the accursed girl had evaded the punishment. Georgina had forked over a fortune in bribes, but they hadn't purchased the sentence she'd envisioned.

She settled on the seat and stared out the window. Thornhill was lurking there, his expression blank and calm, as if he'd engaged in no dirty work that day.

She flashed her most spiteful glare to apprise him that she wasn't afraid of him, that she would eventually get even. He grinned in return to apprise her that she could never win against him, that she was deranged to imagine she could.

Then she was whisked away to the prison and the dire fate he planned to have implemented after she arrived.