Chapter Twenty-Two

Hugh hadn’t planned on eavesdropping. He’d forgotten his hat and had returned to the club to fetch it when he spotted Ellie scamper down the stairs from her office, hurry through the casino floor, then slip out the back door.

If he weren’t hidden behind a stack of crates listening to Ellie speak with Violet Lasher, he would never believe it. From his position, he could see and hear the two women through a gap between the wooden slats of the crates.

“I had no choice but to summon you straightaway,” Violet said.

“Is it the baron? Has he found Samantha?” Ellie asked, her voice strained.

“Not yet. But he’s hired a private investigator, a man who came from St. Giles. My sources say he’s shrewd and cunning and has an uncanny ability to unearth information. Servants talk to him, whereas they won’t talk to a constable.”

“Are you worried?”

“I won’t lie. There is a good chance he may discern that the Raven Club had a part in Lady Willoughby’s disappearance, specifically that you had a hand in it.”

Ellie bit her lower lip.

Violet regarded her. “Is that a problem?”

“I…I just don’t know. It’s a dangerous proposition. We’ve never dealt with a hired investigator before. Perhaps we should go about this differently this time. Hire our own bow street runner.”

Violet looked horrified. “A bow street runner? They will do nothing and may return Samantha Willoughby back home. She will be far worse off.”

Ellie let out a breath. “You’re right, of course. This time, when Baron Willoughby returns to the club, I will be prepared.”

“And what of other women who come to me in the future?”

“I will continue to do whatever I can for them.”

Hugh had heard enough. He couldn’t believe it. Ellie would attempt to deal with Baron Willoughby and his hired investigator on her own. She couldn’t handle the baron last time, and now, the man would be even more desperate and dangerous. To make matters worse, Ellie still intended to work with Violet Lasher. Hadn’t she learned from the past? Didn’t she realize that she needed his help?

No, she’d never trust him enough. She hadn’t accepted his proposal, and finally, he understood. She’d never intended to accept.

This was what she wanted. Not him.

His thoughts were jagged and painful. He should have known. He’d lost his chance to be with her years ago, and nothing could change her mind.

His jaw clenched tight. He might never have Ellie, but he could still keep her safe.

…

Hugh ascended the Earl of Castleton’s front steps with resolve. It was the morning of the decision, and yet, he never thought he would have to make this visit. Not for this purpose. He couldn’t stop thinking about Ellie’s secret back alley visit with Violet Lasher. Both women were serious, and nothing would stop them. There was also a strong likelihood that Baron Willoughby would learn of Ellie’s involvement in the disappearance of his wife. He had no doubt that if Ellie continued with her reckless plans, things would end badly.

She could be maimed, crippled…killed.

Her actions had consequences, dammit. She had ignored his proposal, but she couldn’t continue on her path. He refused to let her.

He lifted the brass knocker and pounded on the door. Moments later, the earl’s butler stood in the doorway.

“The Marquess of Deveril to see Castleton,” Hugh said.

“The earl is expecting you later this afternoon, my lord.”

Hugh tamped down on his frustration. “Please tell him something important has arisen, and I require to have a private word with him now.”

…

The morning of the decision, Ellie sat on the outside patio and sipped a glass of lemonade instead of going to the Raven. Less than a week ago, she’d planned to study the ledgers and mentally prepare the most compelling argument for her brother and Grace. She would have left nothing to chance.

How swiftly things had changed.

It was a lovely morning, and swans and ducks swam in the man-made lake. A pleasant spring breeze cooled her cheeks. She would accept Hugh’s proposal today. Her brother and Grace needn’t announce a winner of the club. It didn’t matter who won. Together, they would own the Raven Club. Her heart leaped with anticipation. Now that she’d made a decision, she wanted to tell Hugh as soon as possible. She’d tell him about her back alley meeting with Violet. She’d accept Hugh’s conditions, all of them, along with his offer. She rose and paced the patio in anticipation.

Ellie had never excelled at patience.

Perhaps she would visit her sister-in-law and bring her a glass of lemonade. She opened the French doors and entered the house. Just as she passed her brother’s study, she halted at the sound of two male voices.

Ian’s and Hugh’s.

Her pulse raced at the sound of his voice, and her interest was immediately piqued. It was early, and as far as she was aware, Hugh was not expected for three more hours. Why was he already here, in Ian’s study?

“I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Castleton,” Hugh said.

“Lady Castleton and I plan to make our decision later today,” Ian said.

“I know. That’s why my visit cannot wait,” Hugh said.

“What’s troubling you?”

“Your sister.”

“Ah, you think Ellie will win,” Ian said.

“No. It’s not about the club. Not exactly. It has to do with the Raven Club, but not our competition.”

Ellie froze, her mind muddled. Doubts crept into her head, and she stood immobile as blood began to pound in her temples. Why on earth was Hugh here talking to her brother about their competition? He’d said himself, if they’d married, it wouldn’t matter.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Ian said.

“You must not choose Ellie to win the club,” Hugh said.

Ian chuckled. “Then you do fear we will find her the most successful?”

“No. Ellie must not win for her own safety,” Hugh said.

“I understand your concerns regarding her reputation. I felt the same, but my wife put my mind at ease. Brooks will manage the casino floor, and Ellie, should she win, shall continue to provide instruction from the seclusion of my office. I understand she will have to visit below from time to time, but those interactions will be limited,” Ian said.

“You misunderstand. It’s not about her reputation anymore, but her safety. Your sister has been conducting dangerous clandestine activities.”

Ellie stifled a gasp as dread pooled in her stomach. How dare he! She began to tremble in shock and anger. Hugh had promised not to whisper a word to her brother. Was he to betray her once again?

Torn by conflicting emotions, she bit her fist to keep quiet.

“What activities?” Ian’s voice took on a hard edge that Ellie rarely heard.

“I cannot specifically say. I promised her that I would not. But you must take my word. Your sister is risking her safety.”

“You cannot seriously stand before me and tell me that my sibling is putting herself at risk, but not specify how she is doing so,” Ian said, his voice strained.

“That’s precisely what I am saying.”

“I don’t know whether to challenge you to a fight in the club’s ring or admire you.”

“Neither. Just be sure you and Lady Castleton do not choose Ellie as the winner of the competition,” Hugh said. “There is more… I asked your sister to marry me.”

“Indeed? You did not seek to ask for my permission first?”

“Circumstances were unexpected. But you should know she has failed to give her consent, and I fear she will refuse. That’s why I’m here.”

“I see.”

Ellie sagged against the wall as she felt the nauseating sinking of despair. Not only had she not learned from the past, she’d let down her guard and had fallen in love with the marquess. She’d believed him, had trusted him to not tell Ian about her activities regarding Lady Willoughby. She should have known. Deep down, Hugh Vere had not changed at all from the youth she’d known long ago. Terrible regrets assailed her.

Lies. All lies.

He wanted the Raven Club, and in his backward way of thinking, he wanted to protect her. He would use any means to accomplish his goals. When she hadn’t immediately accepted his offer of marriage, he’d gone to her brother.

Just like the past, by controlling her, he thought he could decide what was best for her.

She felt a sickening sorrow along with a sharp pang of anger.

She wouldn’t stand for it. She wouldn’t act the victim, like she had five years ago. No man would dictate her future—especially not Hugh.

Pushing away from the wall, she threw open the door.