“Are you certain this is something you want to do? It might backfire badly.”
Lucy turned away from the carriage window and faced a worried-looking Chase. He tugged on his cravat and yanked on the front of his shirt. Colby sat beside him with his arms crossed. His face revealed nothing. Earlier when she told the twins the intention for tonight, and Aidan was their brother, Chase denied it while Colby remained silent. Chase had argued with her, thinking her mad for believing such a tale. Colby finally spoke up, supporting her then left the house and didn’t return until an hour before they had to leave for the ball.
“We have no other choice in the matter. If Colby doesn’t pay off his debt to Irena before the end of the month, he’ll be thrown in to prison. I can’t let that happen.” She stared at her lap, fingering the mauve silk of her ball gown. She had borrowed it from Tisha, who was more than willing to lend it to her. Trying it on had been quite enjoyable, especially when Tisha helped her take it off. They ended back in Tisha’s bed, forgetting about what was to come until she had to leave and explain everything to Chase and Colby. Tisha had let her go with a kiss that was more of a welcome than a goodbye.
“I have a bad feeling about this. If Rue or Aunt Sera knew they would—”
“Talk us out of it.” She’d chosen not to tell Aunt Sera or Rue anything. With Rue still recovering from her pregnancy, she wouldn’t attend the ball. Aunt Sera would stay at home in case Rue and baby Dinah needed anything, since Freddy was working late to make up time for his absence from the office.
“What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Right, Lucy?” Colby piped in, sounding weary.
“Exactly. Tomorrow, we’ll tell them everything.” She smiled, hiding her apprehension and the constant nervous fluttering in her stomach. She didn’t want to consider what would happen if they failed. “We’re not alone in this venture. Mr. McGrath and his daughter will be there, as well as Miss Hale to control Mr. Levett if need be.”
Colby shifted in his seat and squeezed the back of his neck. “Miss Hale will be there tonight? Why didn’t you tell me earlier she would be in attendance?”
Why does he sound offended? She hadn’t meant to keep Miss Hale’s role a secret. “I must have forgotten to mention her when I—”
“You forgot?” He shook his head, frowning deeply. “If it blows up in our faces, she could get hurt.”
“Hurt? I don’t see how. She knows what Mr. Levett is capable of and could make him see the error of his ways.”
The carriage came to a sudden halt. He threw open the door and gave her a bitter look as he stepped down. She sat there, confused about her brother’s reaction. Chase held out his hand to guide her out of the carriage. Colby marched ahead without waiting for them.
Chase looped her arm through his as they walked toward the brightly lit mansion joining groups of people dressed in their best strolling inside. She held him to give her the strength for what was to come.
“Don’t worry about Colby. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble or try to confront Aidan or Irena by himself,” Chase said with a confidence she hadn’t heard from him before.
“I hope so.” She nodded at the servant who met them at the door. She handed him the invitation and entered the huge foyer. Masses of people swarmed the area. The air was thick with humidity, and already she began to perspire from the sea of bodies.
“Is all of London here tonight?” Chase grimaced. Beads of sweat lined his forehead.
“Where has Colby gone off to?”
“He’s with Miss Hale and Mr. and Miss McGrath.”
Chase tugged her through the crowd and near the entrance of the ballroom where the four huddled together. Colby and Miss Hale talked to one another while Tisha and her father lifted their hands in a greeting. Lucy almost staggered as she eyed Tisha in her peach-and-gray gown with black velvet trim and her hair swept up with matching ribbons. She had a rosy color to her cheeks, and her lips had been darkened with lip paint. Tisha smiled, eyeing Lucy from head to toe with a hungry stare. If they succeeded tonight, they would celebrate and recreate the passion they’d shared less then twenty-four hours ago.
She and Chase greeted Teague. She wanted to compliment Tisha on her gown, but the words stuck in her throat. Tisha stepped forward, her hand dropping on Lucy’s hip as she came within inches of her face. She could simply press her mouth to Tisha’s, to take what she craved, but it was neither the time nor place for such a thing. She had to keep a level head.
“You look ravishing,” Tisha murmured, peeking beneath her lashes. “The gown suits you. But I prefer what’s underneath.”
“Tisha!” She considered those around her. To her relief, no one appeared to have overheard the exchange.
Teague and Chase broke apart from their intense conversation. Abbie stood off to the side with Colby beside her. She fanned her face with her ivory-silk-gloved hands. Her face was free of paint and her hair in a braid with ribbons throughout the strands. The bronze-shaded gown suited her very well, but before Lucy complimented her on Abbie’s choice of attire, Teague cleared his throat.
“This is how it will go,” he announced. “I’m going to share a dance with the marchioness, and I’ll explain how I have some important information concerning Aidan and their future marriage. I’ll give the signal to Tisha, and Mrs. Endcott and Chase will follow us until Irena and I find an empty room. I’ll mention new evidence has come to light regarding the murder of her husband, et cetera, et cetera.”
“What about Colby and Miss Hale?” Lucy asked.
“Abbie has agreed to cause a scene with Aidan. Colby will be close by to protect her in case Aidan loses his temper. We hope by the time we finish with the marchioness, she’ll stop the situation before it gets too out of control,” Tisha explained.
“I don’t like this at all. We’re taking a big gamble here.” Colby glared at the group.
Abbie came forward. “I don’t like it either, but if it can stop that evil woman and Aidan from—”
“Don’t bring attention to yourself. Irena is mingling among the guests with Aidan. I think it’s best if we disperse before they see us all together,” Chase recommended.
Lucy didn’t turn around like she wanted to, afraid Irena would spot her like she had that night at Pythos. Then she would either have to hide until they could get Irena alone or meet with her right away and make her believe she would accept her terms.
“I-I can’t remain here. Aidan will see me.” Abbie backed away. “I need air. I can’t breathe with all these people.”
She darted to the French doors leading outside. Colby met her and caught her around the waist.
“Lucy, why don’t you and Chase mingle and pretend to enjoy yourself? Da will seek Irena for a dance, and I’ll keep an eye on Aidan,” Tisha recommended, glancing around.
She wanted to stay with Tisha, but Irena might notice and grow suspicious. Instead, she let Chase guide her to the same ballroom Abbie and Colby had disappeared into. Tisha winked then separated from her father and vanished from sight. Lucy wished she was as confident. She would try her best, although she had a sense of impending doom.
* * *
Colby walked beside Abbie in silence. Once she left the ballroom and went out on the balcony, she didn’t look as ill as when he first came upon her. Now, they strolled the perimeter of the yard, surrounded by flowers and other plant life. They weren’t far from the house and still in view of other guests who were also outside.
She stopped near a small water fountain. Water trickled in a small pool where lily pads floated on the surface. She stared at the pool, moonlight reflecting off the water and hitting her face.
Overcome by the beautiful sight, he lifted his hand to her cheek. Before he touched her, she faced him, rubbing her arms as if cold.
He unfastened his jacket with the intent of offering her warmth.
“I’m sorry.”
He stilled. “Sorry for what?”
She stared off the side with a small, sad smile. “I’ve known about your father for a long time and Aidan’s hate for him. I also knew why he befriended you and how he wanted to make you look like a fool. I did nothing to stop it because I believed he was the victim in all of this.”
He cupped the side of her face, forcing her to look at him. “Aidan is a master manipulator. I was foolish and fell into his web. I thought he was my friend. Little did I know he was closer than that…a brother.”
“Oh, Colby.” She curled her hands around his wrists. “I’ve loved Aidan for so long. He’s been my protector and not only my lover, but a friend. I still care for him, but he’s become lost, blackness taking over his soul. I should have done more, stopped him from—”
“Hush.” He brushed his thumb across her mouth. “Don’t blame yourself. Sometimes, we turn a blind eye to those we love the most and forgive them their faults. Aidan was surrounded by many people who loved and supported him, from his mother to Teague to Miss McGrath. He ignored all of that and concentrated on those things he lost and felt he should have.”
“After tonight, he’ll be even worse because we’re turning against him.” She shivered. “I’m frightened.”
“Don’t be, Abigail. I’ll protect you.” He swallowed, his heart exploding inside for him to finally tell her his feelings.
“As my friend?” she asked softly.
“Yes, as that.” And more. He leaned down, close enough to kiss her mouth, but kissed her forehead instead and hugged her.
He dropped his cheek on top of her head and closed his eyes, lost in the sensation of her in his arms. She whispered his name, and as he lifted his head, something hard jabbed his back.
She gasped and peered over his shoulder. “Aidan.”
“Release her, you feckin’ bastard.”
He slowly twisted around to face his half-brother, who aimed a gun straight at his heart.
* * *
Lucy experienced a strange sense of déjà vu. Again, she wore a beautiful ball gown surrounded by too many people to count, hidden partially, not by a grouping of potted plants, but by a column. This time, Chase never left her side as they waited for Teague to finish his dance with Irena. He swung Irena around the middle of the dance floor, his affable smile in place while Irena talked to him. From across the room, Tisha hid near another pillar. She also watched her father, but every few seconds would lock eyes with Lucy’s. The decisive look on Tisha’s face aimed directly at her made her feel faint, as if she too had drunk too much wine. She’d lose her concentration and the urge to sweep Tisha in her arms overtook her. But then Chase would clear his throat or fidget, and she would come to her senses.
She had to keep a level head, regardless of the way Tisha made her feel. Tisha acted as if it was all a game even though she could tell Tisha was agitated. Every time Tisha caught sight of her father, her eyes fell to slits, and she curled her fingers in her palms.
The music came to an end and quickly started up again. Teague escorted Irena off the dance floor. He peered over his shoulder at Tisha. Both father and daughter nodded.
“I think this is the sign we’ve been waiting for.” Lucy moved toward the exit where Teague and Irena had departed. Tisha skirted around the guests and brought up the rear.
“Are you ready?” Tisha asked as they hurried in the foyer.
Teague and Irena strolled down the hall and turned the corner.
“Where are they headed?” Chase asked.
“The drawing room near the library,” she volunteered, suddenly chilled as she remembered what took place there earlier in the week when Irena had blackmailed her.
Tisha grabbed Lucy’s hand. “This time you won’t be alone with that woman. She’ll never threaten you or anyone you love ever again.”
“Irena threatened you?” Chase’s voice dropped to a low rumble.
“I don’t have the time to explain all the details now. I met with her to discuss Colby’s debt, and it didn’t end the way I expected,” she replied in a winded voice as they stopped in front of the half-open door to the familiar room. Teague and Irena spoke within.
“Do we wait for Teague to bring up the marquess’s death?” Chase whispered.
Tisha shook her head. “We’ll just go in. We have the element of surprise on our side.”
“What about Aidan? He might be lurking around.” She rubbed her arms, chilled to the bone.
Tisha rested her palm on Lucy’s back. “I saw him in the ballroom with a big drink. He’s too busy celebrating and getting drunk. He won’t think to look for Irena and will wait for her to return for their special announcement.”
She breathed through her nose to find the calm she needed. She hadn’t been this jumpy in such a long time.
“Ladies, let’s get his over with.” Chase pushed open the door.
Irena and Teague sat in chairs across from one another. Irena rose when the three entered the room. Chase shut the door behind them and stood in front of it with his hands folded in front of his stomach. He reminded Lucy of some type of guard.
“I didn’t realize we were expecting company.” Irena’s voice sounded welcoming, but her icy and reserved expression told Lucy otherwise.
“Irena, you know my daughter, Tisha.” Teague crossed one leg over the other.
“Hello again, Miss McGrath.” Irena dipped her chin, staring over Tisha’s shoulder at Chase. “Hello, Chase.”
Lucy fisted the sides of her gown as Irena finally regarded her. She bravely met Irena’s softening gaze.
“Welcome, Mrs. Endcott,” Irena purred and stepped forward.
Tisha shifted closer to Lucy’s side. Irena tilted her head, studying both women as if they were some sort of foreign object.
“Teague, I can’t leave my guests for too long, so we should make this quick,” she threw over her shoulder, keeping her gaze on Lucy. “You’ll be the first to hear, but, tonight, Mr. Lovett and I will announce our engagement.”
“Irena asked for my blessing,” he announced, humor lacing his voice.
“I was being droll, Teague.” She moved behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders, giving them a squeeze. “Having you as my future father-in-law is a present all unto itself.”
He chuckled. “You may think otherwise in a few minutes.”
Lucy couldn’t stand much more of these fake niceties. She was sick of the games.
“What does this mean for my father now? You and he were courting until he became ill. Or was it just a rumor?” She moved away from Tisha’s protective stance.
“Why, dear, your father and I were friends, nothing more. I had asked him for advice on some business ventures. Chase would agree with me.” Irena sounded all too pleased.
Chase snorted.
“I’m surprised you and Aidan have contemplated marriage. Women of your rank like to marry up. What does he bring to the match that you can use to your benefit?” Tisha asked.
Irena drew her stare away from Lucy and on Tisha. A frown marred her lips. “That’s insulting to your brother, don’t you think? He and I have become close over recent years and—”
“You told me a few days ago you enjoyed your life of independence and didn’t want to marry again. What has changed? Or were you lying then?” Lucy asked.
Irena started toward her. “Dear, we can talk more—”
“Don’t call me dear! You no longer have the right!” She pressed her fist to her forehead and turned away, rattled at her emotional outburst.
Teague dropped his feet on the floor. He didn’t appear tense like the rest in the room. He reached in his jacket pocket and produced a cigar. Lifting it to his nose, he sniffed. “Irena, I’m going to cut to the chase. You’re not marrying Aidan for love or for friendship. You think he can give you something and have offered him marriage because you know he wants to become part of your circle in order to ruin his biological father and discredit the Daugherty name.”
She didn’t argue or act insulted. She sat in a vacant chair. “Most marriages are of mutual benefit in some ways for both parties involved. I won’t deny one such advantage in marrying Aidan is having your influence and power among those who work behind-the-scenes in commerce and other questionable ventures that can all make us a great deal of money. As for his contempt of the Daughertys, I know nothing of the sort. I’ve been friends with the family for years, and Lucy and I—”
“Irena, stop.” Lucy said softly and much more in control this time. “They know you took on Colby’s debt not to be kind, but to have influence over my brother and to force my hand in order to make me accept you in my life again and rekindle that close relationship we once had when we were younger.”
Teague jerked back at the revelation. He must have figured out what she really meant, and now he viewed her in a way that had her blushing. Tisha looked like she wanted to slap Irena across the face, and Chase betrayed no emotion.
Irena’s eyes sparkled in amusement. She hadn’t been affected in any way by Lucy’s accusation. She dropped her hands on the arms of her chair, and grinned. “As a friend, I wanted to help Colby. Also, if my attempts to save him from prison could bring you back into my life, then yes. I’ve always valued our friendship, and it’s time you returned to your family and stopped hiding in some provincial village where you’re wasting away.”
She shook her head and sighed. Irena always had a way with words and twisted them to her benefit like now.
“To hell with this.” Tisha stomped over to Irena. Teague said her name but she waved him away. She jabbed a finger right in front of Irena’s face. “You think you’re so smart with your manipulations and threats. I won’t allow you to hurt the people I love, including Aidan. We found out something very nasty about you, Marchioness. If it gets out, you’ll be ruined or worse.”
“What could you possibly have on me? I have nothing to hide.” Irena shot up from her seat and stepped toward Lucy, but Chase blocked her way.
“We all have something in our past we want to keep hidden.” Teague went to Tisha’s side and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Aidan and I are very close, as close as any father and son can be. He trusts me with everything. Sometimes, he says things he shouldn’t. He’s said many things about you.”
“Oh really?” She turned and crossed her arms. “What has he said about me?”
“He’s marrying you for his own selfish reasons, just as you are. Love has nothing to do with it. You both use each other as a means to an end. He knows your secrets, and to make sure he doesn’t betray those secrets, you’re going to marry him as an extra measure to keep his silence.”
“Whatever are you talking about?”
“It’s come to my attention your husband’s death wasn’t a robbery gone wrong. You had a hand in it and asked Aidan to help you get rid of the marquess. Since Aidan has connections, thanks to me, he could have used those connections to bump off your husband.”
“Teague, your accusations are baseless. You’re reaching.” Irena rolled her eyes. “What do you hope to accomplish with this? Is this a sick game?”
“I’ve never liked you, and I despise the power you have over my son. Your husband was a good man, and I would like to avenge him and perhaps do a good deed in the process regarding the Daughertys.” He folded his hands behind his back and circled Irena. Her face had become flushed and her posture defensive.
“I have friends in law enforcement who owe me some favors. All I have to do is whisper in their ears about the questionable nature of the marquess’s death, even five years later. What would your high-society friends and neighbors think when word gets out you were questioned regarding your husband’s death? People love intrigue and drama, and the accusations would fly. Even if you weren’t arrested, your reputation would be tainted as a possible murderess.”
“If I’m questioned, Aidan will next,” she growled. “All I have to do is say he had a hand in it. How would you live with yourself knowing you ruined your son in order to destroy me?”
He swiped his finger along his bottom lip. “I protect what’s mine, and the accusations you would throw around about Aidan wouldn’t have any clout. You have no idea how much power I yield. I choose not to abuse my power and only use it when it’s necessary. In this case, I would use everything in my arsenal to stop you.” He captured her arm as she backed away. “Before I’m finished, you’ll end up rocking in a corner, afraid for your life.”
The temperature in the room dropped suddenly. Teague stared at Irena with an almost paternal look. He finally released her, lifting his cigar to his mouth. The cigar had been smashed to pulp.
Tisha stared at Irena with glee, a smile hovering near her mouth. She sauntered past Irena and to Lucy’s side. Irena turned with a scowl. Anger lurked beneath the surface.
“It appears you have backed me into a corner, Mr. McGrath.” Irena barely moved her lips. She continued staring at Lucy in animosity.
She met Irena’s stare straight on. She would no longer allow this woman to intimidate her. In that moment, she realized whatever control Irena held over her had vanished. She became lightheaded as a rush of euphoria came upon her.
“Yes, I do, Marchioness.” Teague slipped his ruined cigar inside his jacket pocket. “This is what you’re going to do if you don’t want the police showing up on your doorstep. You won’t reveal your engagement to Aidan tonight, and you’ll tell him you’re rescinding your offer of marriage. You’ll leave the Daughertys and Mrs. Endcott alone. You’re banned from Pythos and every one of my other clubs for life.” He paused when she spun around. She opened her mouth, but he lifted a finger to silence her. “In the next few days, you’ll receive a letter from your parents who have asked you to stay with them for an extended visit. I’m thinking six months away from London will be the best thing for you.”
But what about Colby’s debt? Lucy bit the inside of her cheek to stop from blurting out her question. It could still backfire because it was Irena’s legal right to expect payment due from Colby.
Irena averted her gaze and studied the rug. Her arms hung limply at her sides, and her face had lost all its color. “If I do everything you’re asking of me, the investigation into my husband’s death will remain closed and still be considered a robbery gone wrong?”
Lucy inhaled sharply. “Is she admitting to the crime?” she whispered to Tisha.
“It’s not an admittance of guilt, but she’s not proclaiming her innocence either.” Tisha squeezed Lucy’s hand.
“Exactly.” Teague scratched his chin, looking mighty pleased. “We can talk more tomorrow about the issue with Colby’s debt, and I’ll speak to Aidan about you breaking things off with him.”
“Some of these terms are acceptable, while others are not.” Irena faced Lucy. “Mrs. Endcott and I came to an agreement earlier about repaying her brother’s debt. Under the law—”
Chase moved away from his spot and toward Irena. “Now see here, you bi—”
A loud popping sound came from outside then screams and pounding of footsteps. Chase threw open the door, and a wave of people huddled together, chatting in loud voices.
“What’s happened?” he asked a group.
A man with a harried expression asked for Irena. She ran past Chase to meet with the footman.
“My lady, there’s been an accident in the garden. Mr. Lovett shot one of the guests.”
“Accident? Aidan shot someone? Ridiculous.” Irena marched down the hall.
Teague broke into a run, and Lucy, Tisha, and Chase shadowed him to the ballroom, where the music had stopped. They hurried out on the balcony and down the steps. Colby sat on the edge of the fountain with a handkerchief on the side of his head. His mouth was bleeding, and his hair was in disarray.
“Colby!” Lucy and Chase yelled and hurried to his side.
He blinked rapidly and rose on unsteady feet.
“Can someone explain what’s happened?” Irena scanned the faces around her.
“Aidan has gone mad. He pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot me. When he grabbed Abbie, I tried to stop him, but he hit me in the head with the gun and punched me in the face.” Colby clutched the front of Chase’s shirt. “He rambled on about making Father pay and finally putting an end to it all.”
Lucy covered her mouth. “Oh dear God, you don’t think he’s going to—”
“I have to stop him before he goes too far.” Teague ran back inside the house.
“Da, wait!” Tisha chased after him.
Lucy lifted her skirts to go after them, but Irena seized her by the arm.
“Let them or the authorities deal with that madman. You’ll stay here,” she ordered.
She wrenched her arm away. “Don’t ever touch me again or tell me what to do.” With her mind spinning and panic rushing through her body, she took off, intent on finding Tisha. Chase called for her, but she ran inside the house. When she couldn’t find Tisha or Teague, she hurried out to the front of the house. Both argued outside.
“Da, we need to go to the police and—”
“I’ll take care of it.” Teague shook off Tisha and turned to walk away. Tisha darted in front of him.
“What are you two doing?” Lucy asked.
“Da doesn’t want the police involved. He thinks he can talk to Aidan and calm him down before he can hurt anyone else.”
“We’re wastin’ valuable time jabberin’ on about what to do.” He grabbed Tisha by the arms and shook her. “The minute Aidan knows the coppers are waitin’ for him, he’ll fly off the handle and he’ll be lost to us. I won’t lose him like I lost his mother.”
“Mr. McGrath, my half-brother—I just found out about a day ago—is not in his right mind. He almost killed Colby, abducted Miss Hale, and is on his way to my father’s home with murder on his mind.” Fear settled deep in Lucy’s belly, and her breath clogged in her throat. “My sister and my newborn niece are there and could also get hurt. We don’t have time to stand here and argue!”
“What do you expect us to do, Lucy? Storm the house and take out Aidan?” Tisha asked in frustration.
“The longer we wait, the more unbalanced Aidan becomes. I’m going to drive to the Daugherty house and see if he’s there. If so, I’ll talk to him. He’ll listen to me.” Teague hurried down the street, calling for his driver.
“This is madness!” Tisha followed her father with Lucy behind her.
He opened the door to the carriage, but, before he could get in, Tisha blocked the entrance.
“Da, this is dangerous. We should wait for the author—”
“The authorities?” He ran a palm down his mouth. “Girl, there’s no time. They’ll shoot Aidan and ask questions later.”
Lucy longed to point out how Teague had said he had friends within the police department, but he didn’t look like he could be reasoned with. Time was of the essence, and they had to act fast.
“We’re wasting precious minutes arguing about this. It’s less than a ten-minute drive. We might even reach the house before Aidan gets there, if he has decided to go there and not to Pythos.” She pushed aside both Teague and Tisha and jumped in the carriage.
“Wait, Mrs. Endcott. You and Tisha are staying here,” Teague demanded.
“You’ll have to throw me out of the carriage then, because I’m coming with you.” She slid over the seat to make room for Tisha, who got in next to her.
He cursed and climbed in the carriage, slamming the door shut. His eyes shot daggers at both Lucy and Tisha, and he hit the top of the ceiling. The carriage started moving.
Tisha clasped Lucy’s hand in a tight grip. Lucy started to pray.