Chapter Nineteen
Marcus wore a permanent smile as he walked down the street toward Thorne Shipping. His wife fulfilled him beyond reason.
And he loved her completely.
As badly as he wanted to confess his feelings, he worried that she wasn’t ready to hear those three special words from Lord Lockwood yet. But the wait would drive him insane.
Several people greeted him, and he tipped his hat, giving them a nod. When his name was shouted from across the street, he turned and scanned the crowd, trying to find who tried to gain his attention. A portly older gentleman waved one hand while the other held a hat on his head. The man’s large belly and double chin jiggled with each hurried step as he hustled across the street toward Marcus.
“Lockwood,” the man huffed, stopping in front of Marcus. “I’m relieved I caught you before you moved on.”
Marcus nodded. “As am I.”
The man’s chest rose and fell in a quick rhythm, his cheeks pink with exertion. While he fought to regain his breathing, another person walked by and smiled.
“Good day, Lord Lockwood. Mr. Tubble.”
Marcus almost laughed. The man’s last name fit his size. But the name seemed familiar for some reason. Where had he heard it before?
Once the greeter passed, Marcus focused back on Mr. Tubble. “What can I do for you, my good man?”
Tubble linked his fingers across his large mid-section and raised a critical eyebrow. “Ye missed the meeting the other night. We wondered what happened to ye.”
Marcus folded his arms. It appeared this must be one of the men his brother had been involved with. “Indeed, I did miss the meeting. Haven’t you heard? I have recently married.”
The man’s face reddened, his eyes widening. “Oh, no. I hadn’t heard about your nuptials. Forgive me for not congratulating you, my lord.”
“Thank you, Mr. Tubble.”
The portly man stepped closer and leaned forward. “We will have another meeting tonight. Will you be able to make it?”
Confusion filled Marcus. Was this different than what Mrs. Winters talked about, or had his brother been in another sordid deal? He didn’t want to ask and sound foolish. “Of course, Mr. Tubble. Tell me where and I shall attend.”
“It will be at Donnelley’s old estate, just down the street from Meadowbrook Lane.”
Marcus nodded. “Yes, I know where that is.” All though he didn’t, he would eventually.
“Splendid. I shall see you then.”
“Yes, you shall.”
As the portly man walked away, Marcus repeated the man’s name in his head. He’d heard it before, but couldn’t recall.
The rest of the way toward Thorne Shipping, he hashed over everything he’d learned so far about his brother’s life, which wasn’t a lot. Besides having a different woman almost every night, Matthew was a gambler and a drunk. He didn’t seem to have many good friends, either.
The more Marcus strove to decipher his brother’s secrets, the more Isabelle’s face disturbed his thoughts. Her kisses mesmerized him and put him under a spell he had no wish to leave. Since meeting the very intriguing woman, his plans for revenge had slipped further away. Now all he wanted to do was make her happy.
As he stepped into his office, he shrugged out of his colorful overcoat. Mr. Harvey hurried out of his room then stopped suddenly. His eyes widened as the man’s gaze swept over Marcus. He could only image what thoughts ran through his friend’s mind. The same kind Marcus had when seeing his brother for the first time.
“Mr. Thorne?”
Marcus smiled. “Right you are, my good man.” He threw his coat on the desk then splayed his arms out in front of him. “Do you like my new look?”
“Um, well, Sir…”
“Please, be honest.” Marcus chuckled. “Actually, I’ve changed my look because I have a new name.”
Mr. Harvey arched his brows. “A new name?”
“Yes. My brother died, leaving me a title. I’m now Viscount Lockwood.” He folded his arms across his chest. “Has a nice ring, does it not?”
His friend’s jaw dropped and Marcus nearly laughed. He walked to his friend and clapped him on the shoulder. “No need to worry. I’m only wearing these outrageous clothes so I can fit into my brother’s world.”
“Ah—” Mr. Harvey nodded. “That certainly explains things.”
“However, you must address me as Lockwood. And, if anyone asks—” he lowered his voice, “—I’m not Mr. Thorne, owner of Thorne Shipping. I’m Lord Lockwood, owner of Thorne Shipping.”
“I’ve heard a few things about Lord Lockwood. He’s very wealthy.”
“You’ve heard right, my good man.” Marcus grinned wide. “In fact, I shall give you a raise just to prove how wealthy he—I mean I am.”
Mr. Harvey’s jaw dropped again. This time, Marcus did laugh. “Not only that, but I’m giving you the rest of the day off. Go home and enjoy it with your family.”
The man’s face flamed as it stretched into a smile. “Oh, this is good news, indeed.” He rushed to Marcus and shook his hand. “You’re a very generous man. Thank you.”
A while after Mr. Harvey had left, Marcus still chuckled. Apparently, he hadn’t been an attentive employer before. So had wealth changed him? Or had his wife?
He finally settled at his desk and read over the statements of the shipping company. Business was good. Life was better. Grinning, he leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers over his stomach. How long had it been since he’d been this happy and content? Quite a while, to be sure.
Then again, had he ever experienced this kind of elation? Growing up, he always longed for the attention of his absent father. After his mother died, Marcus made it a goal to make his sire proud. Marcus’ health had improved, and as he grew, he set out to learn all he could and educate himself properly. He knew his twin had attended the best schools, and it hurt Marcus to know his father hadn’t sent him there.
The life he’d known all came to a crashing end when Marcus traveled to visit his father for the first time after all the years he’d been absent from their country home. Shock was a mild word for the emotion he received upon being greeted by his father’s butler. Marcus had introduced himself, but the butler accused him of lying. Marcus demanded to speak to his father at once. The butler hurried into the house, leaving Marcus on the doorstep. Several minutes later, the servant returned, wearing a smug grin. He informed Marcus that Lord Blackstone denounced ever having a second son and that if he showed his face on the earl’s estates again, the law would be summoned.
Marcus waited a week before attempting to see his father again. Anger guided him as he secretly followed his sire around town, learning what his father did and whom he met with. One night, Marcus witnessed his father kill another nobleman in a dark alley. So shocked, Marcus gasped, drawing attention to himself. Before he could run, his father caught his arm and bade him to return to the house, begging to explain what had happened. Marcus obeyed.
Now his father seemed different. More friendly. The old man acted eager to learn of his son’s life. Marcus knew this wasn’t right, so he watched his father closely to see what the man was up to. It was then when Marcus saw his father pour something in his teacup before offering it to him. Marcus didn’t need to ask. He suspected his father was trying to poison him. When his father wasn’t looking, he poured the tea on a nearby plant then quickly made excuses to leave. He explained he wasn’t feeling well, and his father let him go, wearing a smile of victory.
Marcus had left his father’s property with a broken heart for the second time. From that point on, Marcus vowed he’d have nothing to do with Lord Blackstone again.
That was when Benjamin Ludlow entered his life. Marcus, still in his youth and thin as a rail, met Ludlow on the docks. They struck a conversation and, desperate for a Father figure, Marcus decided to sail the waters with the kind man, never knowing the stranger was the fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk who was looking for someone to replace him.
The office door opened, pulling Marcus from his memories. Gabe walked in and grinned.
“There you are,” his friend greeted. “I have some news.”
“As do I. You go first.”
Gabe closed the door and stepped to Marcus’ desk, resting his palms on top. “Your brother was in a secret society of men that have meetings at least once a month. I met one of the men your brother associates with at the Black Dragon. Did you know the secret password to get any information is Lockwood sent me?”
Marcus tilted back his head and laughed. “Are you jesting?”
“That’s all I said.” Gabe shrugged. “Then again, the men were into their cups a little more than they should be at this time of the day.”
Shaking his head, Marcus smiled. “I think they live there.”
“Perhaps.” Gabe straightened. “Now, what’s your news?”
As Marcus opened his mouth to speak, the information of what his friend had just given him sank in, making things more clear in his mind. He pushed away from the desk and stood. “I think we’ve both discovered the same thing, my good man. I talked with Mr. Tubble today and he mentioned a meeting I had missed the other day. I have a feeling these are the same group of men.”
Gabe nodded. “I think you’re right, but why would your brother be part of this organization?” Gabe shook his head. “If your brother was involved with Commodore Stanhope’s deceitful ways, why would they associate with men who want to fight against Napoleon?”
Marcus turned and faced the window, gazing outside onto the busy street. He knew the Commodore too well to be involved in such a group like those trying to keep Napoleon from taking over Britain.
“You’re correct, Gabe. This isn’t normal behavior for the commodore, or my brother. They never do anything that stands for justice. We must keep a sharp eye out and look for anything suspicious.”
“I agree.”
An open carriage pulled in front of the building and stopped. The driver jumped down and helped a woman descend. She didn’t look familiar. Marcus knew a lot of women, but they were mainly from the docks and surrounding areas. This lady dressed too fancy to live this close to the docks. Her sandy hair wound in a fashionable style on top of her head, and the gown looked something new that France had created. She headed for the front door.
When he allowed her entrance, she nodded and sashayed inside. “Good day,” he greeted.
She flashed him with a sultry grin. “It’s a pleasant afternoon, my lord.”
The woman glanced around the office, her mouth twisted in distaste. “This is a quaint place you’ve purchased, Matthew.” She met his gaze. “And it makes me wonder why you would even consider this kind of endeavor.”
Whoever the lady was, she knew his brother intimately. How would she have known Matthew had wanted to own the business unless the brother mentioned it to her before he died?
Marcus arched an eyebrow. “You don’t approve?”
She flipped her hand. “It’s far beneath you, but I suppose if it’s what you like.”
“I do,” he clipped.
The woman met Gabe’s stare. She curtsied then held out her hand. “I don’t believe we have met. I’m Sarah Westland, and you are…”
“Very happy to meet you,” Gabe answered in a sultry voice as he took her hand and bowed.
Mrs. Westland giggled. “You’re such a charmer.”
Gabe grinned wide. “I’m Lord Lockwood’s valet, Mrs. Westland.”
“Not only is he my valet,” Marcus added, “but I’m training him to take over running the shipping company.”
She widened her eyes. “Oh, how lovely.”
Marcus clapped his hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “He’s certainly a man of many talents.”
He studied the woman, remembering who she was now. Although he’d never met her, Mrs. Westland had visited Isabelle right before the wedding. No wonder his wife was jealous. Mrs. Westland was a very comely lady. Unfortunately, she didn’t hold a candle against his wife’s captivating beauty.
The woman stepped closer to Gabe and gave him a pout. “Would you mind if I had a word in private with Lord Lockwood?”
His friend glanced at Marcus. He nodded. Gabe bowed again to Mrs. Westland before leaving the building. Once the door closed behind him, the lady sashayed his way and leaned up against him.
“I’ve missed you, Matthew.”
Marcus had to give his brother credit for picking such a high-class strumpet. Marcus wondered why his brother would acquaint himself with someone who might charge more than the others.
Although he wanted to push her away, he must act his part—or the part she expected him to be. He forced a smile. “Forgive me for being side-tracked in my duties. Much has happened of late.”
“I know.” She frowned and drew her finger over his lips. “You’re married.” She released a dramatic sigh. “I must say I didn’t expect that. You once told me you would never marry.”
“Didn’t I tell you I’ve been betrothed for over a year?”
“No.” She slid her hands over his chest, and up to link around his neck as she pressed herself against him. “I’m quite put out with you. It will take a lot of begging for me to forgive you.”
Chuckling, he pulled away and moved to his desk. “I’m quite certain you’ll eventually forget about me.” He picked up his coat and slid his arm inside.
She sidled up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, making it harder to pull on his garment.
“Never, Matthew. How could you believe that? I don’t ever want to forget you. We have been through too much already, and our future looks very promising.”
He rolled his eyes and shrugged out of her embrace as he walked toward the door. “Mrs. Westland, I’m sorry to bring a stop to our relationship, but I must.” He opened the door and stepped outside. The sun glared in his eyes and he squinted, raising his hand to block the rays.
“You cannot be serious.” She huffed and stepped beside him, letting the door close behind her. “We have been through too much. You cannot let it end like this. There’s more for us to accomplish together.” She slid her hand up his arm and leaned into him, batting her eyes as she met his gaze. “You once said we work well together. I know you weren’t lying, Matthew.”
Sighing, he tilted his head and gave her a pitiful smile. “But that was in the past. I’m a different person now. I’m married and I’m very happy with my wife.”
A low growl rumbled from her throat. “She cannot please you. She’s not as experienced as I.”
He shrugged. “Perhaps that’s what I enjoy about her.”
Her expression hardened, but she didn’t pull away. “I cannot believe you desire her over me. Impossible, Matthew. Besides, she’s from France. They’re not going to trust her like they trust me.”
He’d grabbed her shoulders to push her away, but her last comment made him pause. What was she talking about now? Who was the they she referred to? And why didn’t he think this conversation was about their so-called liaison anymore?
He dug his fingers into her shoulders. “And why not? Why won’t they trust her?”
She let out a loud, sultry laugh. “My dear, Matthew. You know me. I can charm anyone. Your wife may be sweet, but I highly doubt she knows how to seduce a man and make him talk as I do. Your friends won’t want your wife as they want me.”
He wanted to shove her away, to tell her to never to see him again. But he must get some answers.
* * * *
Isabelle stood still. Numbness spread through her body as her heart slowly crumbled.
Marcus didn’t see her standing across the road. She didn’t expect to see him, either. Not here. And certainly not with her.
Mrs. Westland had hinted of her affair with Lord Lockwood, but after what Isabelle and Marcus had shared last night, she thought he’d end his relationship with his mistress.
Isabelle supposed wrong.
Tears gathered in her eyes and she didn’t have the strength to wipe them away. How could she let her heart get involved again? Hadn’t her experience with Hawk taught her anything? Even as much as she didn’t want to be in love with Marcus, she found herself slowly falling anyway. How could she not? He was very generous, but more than that, he was kind, gentle, and patient.
Finally, the woman standing scandalously close to Marcus moved from his side and to the open carriage where Isabelle’s husband helped her inside. As soon as the vehicle drove away, Marcus hurried to his carriage. His valet was with him and climbed inside after her husband.
Confusion filled her as she kept her attention on the vehicle until it drove away. Why would her husband take his valet? Come to think of it, the valet went a lot of places with Marcus. She glanced at the building they had both came from. Thorne Shipping. She scrunched her forehead. What kind of business would her husband have there?
Curiosity made her take quick steps toward the building. She glanced at the deserted office next door where she’d met Hawk for the last time. Strange how Hawk would pick a place like this, unless…
She stopped in front of Thorne Shipping as her mind raced. Hawk once mentioned he had a life outside of being a highwayman, as did all of his crew. Suddenly, her husband’s valet image flashed through her mind. She never talked to him personally, but gathered from how the other servants acted, as if he was new to the Lockwood household. Yet she knew him from somewhere. Not very many men were tall and lanky with wavy auburn hair like Hawk’s friend, Gabe.
A breath caught in her throat. Could he be that same man? She glanced back at the sign in bold black letters—Thorne Shipping. Could Gabe work here? What were the odds Hawk did, too? In fact, could Hawk be Mr. Thorne himself?
She grasped the doorknob and turned, but found it locked. Scowling, she realized her questions wouldn’t be answered today. Too bad, since she needed something to take her mind off the pain of betrayal slicing through her heart from her husband’s continued affair with Mrs. Westland.
“Excuse me, Madame? May I be of assistance?”
She turned to find a short, portly man standing beside her. He doffed his hat and bowed. She smiled and curtsied.
“Actually, you may help me. I’m looking for the owner of Thorne Shipping.”
“Oh, he isn’t here.”
“I see.” Her hopes dropped. “But can you answer a few questions for me?”
His face brightened. “I’ll certainly do my best.”
“I have never met the owner before, and I wondered if he was a tall, lanky man with deep auburn hair.”
The man’s lips thinned as he scratched his head. His gaze narrowed in on her. “Oh, no, Miss. That would be Mr. Lawrence you’re thinking about.”
Her heartbeat picked up rhythm. Gabe. “I see. What exactly does the owner look like?”
The other man chuckled. “He’s a handsome, strapping lad, to be sure. Not as tall as Mr. Lawrence, but tall, nonetheless.”
“Muscular?”
“Aye, exceedingly well formed, I might say.”
“By chance, does he have dark brown hair, almost black, and long to his shoulders?”
“Aye, he does…or he did, but—”
“And does Mr. Thorne like to travel occasionally?”
The man smiled wide. “He certainly is a man who loves to travel. I take care of the office while he’s gone.”
“May I ask how long he’s usually gone?”
“Sometimes he’s gone for several months.”
A smile stretched across her mouth, even though she shouldn’t be excited about the news. But to think she’d just discovered Hawk’s true identity. And she couldn’t wait to discover more.
“Thank you, Sir. You have been most helpful.”
“You are welcome.”
She turned and walked away, her mind spinning in turmoil. Her husband’s affair weighed heavy on her chest, but memories of Hawk resurfaced. She wished they hadn’t, but now she was very close to discovering his secret identity.
But first she must find out how her husband was involved with the highwayman.