What the devil is he doing here? Luke thought, although he was also relieved to see Tobin.
“Quick, Major, I’m going to send the girl down.”
Before Luke fully understood what was happening, a pair of thin legs in breeches came over the side. Not that Luke spent a great deal of time analyzing his batman, but he knew his limbs were thicker than these. Then, the face that went with the legs looked down; she was clearly frightened, with tears streaming down her face. Luke stood tall and balanced himself in the boat, holding his arms high to reassure the girl.
She was trembling and seemed unable to make the climb. It struck him just how brave Meg must have been to save herself that night a mere few weeks ago. It had been such a short time, yet he could not imagine her not being a part of his life.
“Come along, Amelia, I will catch you,” he said in a soft voice, hoping it would not carry to the crew.
“Amelia, come to Luke. You can trust him,” Meg encouraged.
“Meggie?”
“Yes, my love, I am here. Take one step at a time.”
The girl nodded and tried to take one step, but she was shaking so hard, Luke knew she would not make it. He signalled his intent to the skipper, and began to climb the ladder. He plucked her from the rope and she clung to him, her body racked with fear. His leg was still weak, but he dare not feel it now. He shifted her weight to his bad side and began the treacherous climb down the rope, using the sound side of his body to take the strain.
As Luke made it to the boat, other arms reached up to relieve him of his burden. Tobin was almost on top of them by the time they half-climbed, half-fell into the boat. Meg’s arms went around Amelia at once, rocking her and soothing her with endearments. Luke cast a glance at Meg, who also looked surprised but relieved.
Unfortunately, this would not be the end of the fight; nonetheless, they had her for now and must remain alert until they reached safety. He signalled for the boatmen to begin rowing back to shore. Williams gave him a wave of acknowledgement that he had seen, just before a great fracas ensued above on the deck. Loud thuds, shouts and screams were heard—Williams had created a diversion. The man would receive a great reward for his efforts.
Wally was waiting for them with fresh horses when they returned to the pier. It all seemed too simple, really, and Luke wondered when the axe would fall. Hawthorne would know who had Amelia, and Luke did not have legal grounds to have either Amelia or Meg.
Fortunately, Meg had almost attained her majority, but Amelia was another case entirely.
Luke quickly had them transferred to a carriage once they reached the hotel. He knew Amelia needed coddling, but they could not spare the time. He imagined that Thurgood and Hawthorne would be after them with a vengeance this time.
“Tobin, I would speak with you before you go.”
Reluctantly, he helped Amelia into the waiting four-horse conveyance and she went from his arms straight into those of her sister’s. The poor girl was in shock. Luke’s temper boiled beneath the surface, for she was so much younger than her sister in more ways than age. Who could force such a girl? He knew many men who would.
“Is there anything else you can tell me?” Luke asked his batman.
“Thurgood is headed to France. I did not get details, but I mean to follow him. He is waitin’ for another passenger to sail.”
“No word of who that might be?”
“Not yet, but my money’s on Hawthorne. When I discovered Thurgood had Amelia, I abandoned other tasks until she was safe.”
“How did you get on the ship?”
“I secured a passage; he is not cautious about his passengers, apparently,” he said with a wry grin.
“I am not sure I wish to know the details.” Luke shook his head.
“I did not count on yer arrival with a fishin’ boat. It saved me some unpleasantness.”
“Likewise. I am happy to be of service. Be safe, Lieutenant.”
“I think I am going to like the sound of ‘sir.’”
“As long as you do not get too puffed up with your own consequence.”
“Never, sir!” He gave Luke a quick salute and disappeared down the road below the cliffs. It was fitting to send Tobin on this mission and as an officer. It was useless to caution an Irishman about revenge.
Luke climbed into the carriage and tapped on the ceiling for the driver to proceed. He sat forward, across from the two sisters. Meg was stroking Amelia’s bright copper curls soothingly and the girl closed her eyes.
She seemed to be calming. They were quite a startling pair to behold together: Meg, even with her kohl-darkened hair and ice-blue eyes, Amelia with copper red hair and the same colour eyes. It was strange; Meg was the one with the more fiery personality, based on his brief glimpses of Amelia. Perhaps he wronged her—he had seen her in a stressful situation—and there was nothing wrong with being reserved.
His mind began to wander to what his next move should be. Not for a moment did he regret the actions he had taken thus far, but he was very concerned about how to proceed. For the moment, they would return to his town house, where his mother could give advice. Hawthorne could not demand to search his home; however, he could not hold Amelia there for four years until her majority!
“Are you wishing us to the devil now?” Meg asked as Amelia slept. “I can see the burden strains you.”
“How to handle it best concerns me, but never say you are a burden.”
“I should take her away to somewhere safe. In little more than two months now, I will have my inheritance.”
“You can have the protection of my name now.” He was losing hope of convincing her, but he was too far invested in her to abandon her to her fate, regardless. A look of pain seemed to cross her face and she averted her eyes. What did it mean?
“I cannot ask even you to harbour her secretly for four years.”
“I will not give up searching for proof of his wrongs. I still have hope that Tobin will uncover the truth about your uncle.”
“I wish I had your faith,” she whispered. Her voice cracked and she struggled to speak the words. He watched her as she looked out of the window. They said little during the remainder of the journey—it was clear she did not wish to converse and Luke needed to think of what was coming next. It was likely Hawthorne had covered his tracks well, but if there was a shred of evidence, they would find it. The Marquess had grown arrogant with his title and, hopefully, also careless.
When they were safely back at Waverley Place and Amelia seemed to have recovered her spirits, Meg finally thought to gently interrogate her.
“I cannot tell you how relieved I am to have you with me!” She smiled and sat next to her sister on a silver brocade chaise longue in Amelia’s chamber.
“I truly thought I would never see you again,” Amelia said, her chin quivering.
Perhaps it was too soon. “Let us not dwell on what might have been. We are here, together, now.”
Amelia nodded and Meg put her arms around her for comfort.
“You are unharmed?” Meg could not help but ask.
“Yes,” she whispered. “The man was vile, but did not touch me. He seemed to look at me as more of a daughter, but I do think he intended to wed me.”
“I am glad he seemed to have some remnants of decency.” Meg was more relieved than she could tell Amelia.
“Unlike our uncle,” Amelia replied with a frown. “Once I knew to look for his deceit, it became readily apparent.”
“Did you hear of any plans? Perhaps something about France?”
Amelia scrunched up her face as she pondered. “I know he threatened Mr. Thurgood to take us to France. We were waiting on Uncle’s arrival to depart. Thank the heavens, or you would not have caught up to us, I think.”
“And Tobin.”
“Yes, he was splendid. Is he really the Duke’s man?”
“Is or rather, was,” she answered with an unladylike shrug. “Luke purchased him a commission and he is on his way to France to discover what Uncle has done.”
“There was a woman, it seems. He kept speaking of returning to her and their plans. I overheard an argument between him and the American. Mr. Thurgood was upset and did not want to sail to France, but Uncle said it was the only way he could have me.” Amelia began to cry again, which was better than being frozen in a state of shock but Meg did not want to upset her further.
“You rest now. I must go and speak to Luke about where we shall go next.”
“I want to stay here.” Her sister pouted, but allowed herself to be tucked into the large bed where she looked so small and fragile. Saying a quick prayer of thanks, Meg kissed her on the head as Amelia fought the call of sleep. Opening her eyes, she looked up at her. “Are you really to be a duchess, Meg?”
“No, my dear. Luke has agreed to a betrothal in order to protect us from Uncle.”
“That is only because he wants you. Anyone with eyes can see how he cares for you.”
“He is a gentleman, dearest. Of course he would make everyone think that.”
“If you say so.” She shook her head as exhaustion overtook her and she fell asleep. Meg swept away a tendril of hair that had fallen over her face, so thankful to have her sister back.
Closing the door to her sister’s room, she stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall. It was time to face Luke and make him see reason. If he truly wanted to help, then he would help them escape to somewhere safe. If he would not help them, then they would be forced to leave on their own. The thought of leaving him caused a pain in her chest and a tightening of her throat that was futile to ignore. She went to her room to allow the indulgence of sorrow until she could compose herself. Selfishness was unbecoming and Luke had found Amelia for her. What right did she have to dictate his future because of his honour? No, this must be done no matter how much she wished it otherwise.
Some half-hour later, once she had straightened her clothing and tidied her hair, she went to his study where she expected he would be. The door was ajar and she scratched on the wood to seek a word.
“Enter,” his deep voice commanded. She opened the door and stood there watching him. Even in his shirtsleeves, with his hair dishevelled, he was the picture of perfection to her. Finally, he looked up and smiled. Meg’s insides melted. She did not know if she was strong enough to resist taking advantage of him.
He stood and came to her. “How is she?” he asked.
“Resting peacefully. She is young and resilient.”
“Did anyone...” He hesitated.
“No. She is untouched.” Meg answered the uncomfortable question for him.
“Thank God.”
“Indeed.”
He led her to the two chairs by the fire where they had sat the first night. It was fitting, she supposed, that they were here.
“Luke,” she began with great reluctance, “Amelia and I must hide somewhere else until this is resolved.”
He furrowed his brow but she continued doggedly.
“You know I am right. If you will not help us leave, then I will have no choice but to go on my own.”
“That is unacceptable.” He swallowed hard. “I have been trying to think of the best way to deal with this. In truth, I have no right to keep you here. He has the law on his side, illogical though it may be. I have no claim to you other then as your betrothed. If you were to marry me now, I could protect you.”
“But what of Amelia?”
His silence was answer enough.
“Will you trust me with a little more time, Meg? Give Tobin and Philip a chance to discover some evidence?”
“You don’t love me, Luke. I cannot ask you to enter into such a contract! You must marry to suit your inclinations, not your honour.”
“How can you say such a thing, Meg? After everything…” He turned away, jaw clenching. “What else must I do to persuade you?”
The look he gave her held pain in it.
Had she offended him? Meg could see there was no way she would convince him before her uncle was dealt with.
“Very well, Luke. I will allow events to take their course and see what my uncle’s next move is. However, if, at any point, I think Amelia is in jeopardy, I will do whatever is necessary to protect her.”
Luke opened his mouth, probably to protest, but was forestalled by a knock at the door.
“Captain Elliott, your Grace,” Timmins announced.
“Philip,” Luke said as he stood up to greet his friend. “Tell me there is good news.”
“I am relieved to see you returned,” the Captain answered, looking as though he had just come from a hard ride, his cheeks being flushed and his hair tousled. “Do you have Lady Amelia?”
“She is safely tucked in her bed,” Meg replied.
“Saints be praised,” he said, throwing himself casually into a chair. Luke returned from the drinks tray and handed him a glass. Philip took a fortifying sip of the contents and began to recite his adventure.
“To begin with, there is no sign of La Glacier. I do believe the whole story was a ruse.”
“We had surmised as much,” Luke agreed.
“I managed to follow Hawthorne from the costumed party. He was rather enjoying his new-found attention and stayed longer than was wise.”
“What happened next?” Meg was growing inpatient.
“He returned to his town house but left shortly thereafter, riding hard for Dover. It was easy enough to follow him as he made no effort to conceal his identity.” He took a sip of his brandy and Meg began to tap her foot under her skirt.
“He then boarded a ship called the Nancy Jane.”
“Thurgood’s ship. It is where we found Amelia.” Luke provided the extra information.
Philip raised his brows in surprise. “The devil, you say? I was told it was bound for Le Havre. I must follow, of course, but I wanted to let you know you are safe for the moment.”
“Of course, that may change when it is discovered Amelia is missing.” Meg stood up and began to pace about the room. She waved the men back into their seats when manners dictated they follow suit.
“We can only hope his business in France is more pressing than returning to search for her,” Philip said. “I will send word when I know more.”
“Thank you, Philip. I cannot keep you here forever. I know your duty is elsewhere, for now.”
“Hawthorne is my duty for now until I find proof he is scheming treason.” Philip rose again and bowed to Meg. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I apologize, for I will, in all likelihood, miss your nuptials. I wholeheartedly approve, though…if I cannot convince you to be mine?” He cast her one more rakish grin, his eyebrows lifting in a questioning, teasing look.
She shook her head. “No, Captain, I will not run away with you.”
“It was worth a try.” He chuckled.
“You had better leave before I call you out,” Luke jested.
Philip held up his hands in surrender and made for the door. His hand reaching for the handle, he turned. “By the way, how did you get Lady Amelia off the ship?”
“Tobin did.”
Philip revealed a slow smile, looking pleased. “How clever of him.” He nodded and opened the door. “I think your man has found his true calling, Waverley.”
“Who has found his calling?” Amelia asked quietly from the doorway, still looking half asleep. Watching Philip’s face take her in, Meg bit back laughter. She cast a glance sideways at Luke, who was also looking amused.
“Lady Amelia Blake, may I present Captain Philip Elliot?” Luke made the proper introductions, although there was nothing formal about this intimate setting. Philip boldly took Amelia’s hand and placed a kiss on her palm, the rogue.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, sir,” Amelia said, blushing as she dipped into a curtsy.
“Philip was just leaving,” Luke reminded him most cruelly. Meg was shaking with mirth.
“Oh, surely not before dinner, sir?” Amelia begged prettily, and Meg was taken aback by her sister boldness.
“Alas, Luke is correct. Duty calls, although I would much rather stay here and gaze at your beauty.”
Luke cleared his throat and Philip only smiled—playfully and unrepentantly—yet it was enough, it seemed, to capture Amelia’s heart, Meg thought warily as she noticed the exchange of glances.
That Philip left most reluctantly, after holding onto Amelia’s hand much longer than was proper, was evident for all to see. Amelia was similarly affected; she was still staring longingly at the door minutes after Philip was gone.
“Will you come to dinner?” Meg asked gently, understanding Amelia’s thoughts. She had been through a great deal in the past few months and what harm would a little flirtation do?
“I do hope the war ends soon,” Amelia murmured as she allowed herself to be led towards the dining room.
“We all do, my dear, but first we must decide how to keep you safe.”
“At least it seems we have a reprieve. I pray Tobin can find some evidence quickly,” Luke agreed.
“And if he does not?”
“We had better be prepared for battle.”