Donald looked quite unrepentant as he gazed back at her. His light blue eyes held hers with a steadiness that told Henrietta he still wouldn’t give up all Miss Darton’s secrets. She accepted that. While they had no secrets from each other as far as the Club and their relationship went, many members often shared confidences with one of them or the other.

“How did Miss Darton find you?” she finally asked.

“Her father’s friend introduced her,” Donald said, settling more comfortably on the corner of her desk. “I’m sure you remember Mr. Edwin Barritt?”

Henrietta scowled. She did indeed remember that slithering snake. Barritt continuously looked for leverage in the Club, a way to gain a hold over either she or Donald. His end goal, so far as she could tell, was to insert himself as a managing member of the Club.

“Of course I remember Mr. Barritt,” she said. Wandering around the room, she turned to face Donald. “What does he have to do with this tale?”

Her lover shrugged, but the fire burning in his eyes belied the casual movement. “He brought Elizabeth to me with his usual ulterior motives. But seeing what Elizabeth was going through,” he said and took her hand. “I had to assist her.”

She did love that about him. His sense of chivalry, given the world they’d made for themselves, was the quality that had originally drew her to him. Cupping his cheek, she smiled. “I do love how gallant you can be.”

“I knew you’d understand.” He kissed her lightly on the lips and pulled her closer. “I couldn’t betray either her confidence or her wishes.”

“Until now,” Henrietta pointed out reasonably, but didn’t pull back.

“I’ve seen exactly how miserable they are without each other.” He settled her between his legs, but the look in his eyes was anything but romantic. “It’s no longer a matter of treason that would taint the earl. Elizabeth’s reputation is once more in the clear. They simply need a way to return to each other.”

Henrietta smiled and refrained from again commenting on his romantic streak. It wasn’t well known, in fact if more than a handful of people knew about the soft heart that lay beneath his hard, cynical exterior she’d be most surprised. Instead she nodded and turned her attention back to the matter at hand.

Breaking the moment, she stepped from his arms. “I agree with you.” She nodded. “And these are the correct steps to take. But it’s something else that captures my attention.”

“What’s that, my love?”

“Mr. Darton’s case.” She tilted her head just slightly and added, “The treasonous aspect of it. Aycliff uncovered the plot which framed Darton.”

Henrietta paced around the room again, trying to puzzle it all out.

“We’ve gone over this before,” Donald pointed out and stood. “Does it continue to nag at you?”

“Yes,” she said, still pacing. “More so now.”

“How so?” he asked.

She stopped and looked at him, desperately trying to latch onto the irritating thought that refused to let her be. It lay there, just out of reach and Henrietta knew when she grabbed it, this would make more sense.

“It doesn’t concern Aycliff,” Henrietta said slowly. “But there seems more motive behind the embezzlement from the Crown. Aycliff’s only concern was to clear Darton and nothing further.”

“He had a very powerful reason to do so,” Donald agreed.

“Agreed,” she said, several threads finally weaving together. “However, certain players in the Darton plot were affiliated with the Club.” She looked at her lover who nodded for her to continue. “And while we’re used to all sorts of power mongering here, I believe there’s a deeper scheme involved. One that goes further than trading influence. One that could irreparably damage what we’ve built here.”

Henrietta meant more than the Hellfire Club and saw that Donald understood that. She meant the entirety of England and the paranoia that permeated the upper echelon of society now that France lay in ruins.

“It’s possible there’s a deeper scheme, as you say, Henrietta,” Donald agreed. “However, it’s also possible Garrow’s conviction is the end of it.” He pushed off the desk and walked to the drinks cabinet. Pouring himself a drink, he looked over his shoulder and poured one for her as well. “Or Aycliff’s interference destroyed whatever plot there is.” Crossing the room he handed the glass to her.

Henrietta nodded and sipped the whisky. “You may be correct,” she allowed. “Though I believe we should pay attention…just to see.”

Donald finished his drink and set the empty glass on the desk. Kissing her softly, he cupped her chin and looked at her. Henrietta wondered what he searched for, what he saw in her eyes, but all he did was nod.

“I need to see Miss Darton,” he said. With one final kiss he left, masque in hand.

Henrietta watched him leave the cavernous office. The nagging feeling of impending tragedy refused to leave her. She sipped at her drink, but the whisky, however smooth it went down, did little to alleviate her concerns.

****

Elizabeth pressed the spot between her eyes, trying to ward off the headache that brewed there. Exhausted as she was, sleep continued to elude her. And now, she worried over Callum’s latest move. Did he know about Parker? He seemed well-versed in Dervin’s deeds, but what else did he know?

Part of her prayed he’d forget about Dervin now that her father had been cleared of all charges. The other part knew he never would, not if it meant a chance to see her again.

Her thoughts whirled round and round, with no hope of an answer.

The knock on the door startled her. Turning from the window, and the uninspiring view of the alleyway, she crossed the room and paused to pick up a club Donald had given her for protection.

Between the club, knife, and several other things he’d given her over the last year, Donald seemed more the worried father than the governor of a den of iniquity like the Hellfire Club.

“Yes?” she called.

“Elizabeth,” Donald’s cultured voice drifted through the thin wood.

She set the club on the small table and unlocked the door. He carried a small package, wrapped securely in brown paper. Another item for her protection? Or one of his none-too-subtle gifts to make her life easier?

She’d refused his offer of shelter in the Hellfire Club; while he understood that, he hadn’t been happy. His concern warmed her as little had over these last months.

“I’m perfectly fine,” Elizabeth started with a smile. “You needn’t check on me so late—” She stopped.

Swaying against the door, her vision blurred. “Did…” Elizabeth swallowed against the sudden dryness in her throat and tried again. “Did something happen to Callum?”

The words sounded faint in the room, and she wondered if she’d actually said them aloud.

“No.” Donald shook his head and quickly crossed the room. He closed the door and gently took her hand.

His grip warmed her suddenly cold fingers, and Elizabeth relaxed. She looked at him, but saw he spoke the truth.

“No, all is well with your young earl.” Donald guided her to the chair. He still looked concerned, and she forced a smile. So long as Callum remained unharmed, she could handle anything.

“However, your young man is the reason I’m here,” Donald said and stepped back.

“Then what’s happened?” Elizabeth demanded. “If Callum is well, what should concern me?”

He looked at her for a moment, and Elizabeth shivered. The air shifted, but she couldn’t place the reason. She didn’t know why Donald was here, but whatever his reason, she knew it would change everything.

“Tonight at the Club,” he said, “there’s to be a grand masque ball. I know what you feelings are towards the Hellfire Club, but perhaps you can set aside your…objections,” he said with a smile, “for the opportunity to be near Aycliff.”

Elizabeth felt her heart skip a beat. The faintness of a moment ago returned, and she was grateful she already sat. Callum…in the Hellfire Club? She shook her head. Elizabeth didn’t like to think of him in the Club—what he did and with whom.

She no longer held any hold over him, and she was being ridiculously foolish to think otherwise. After all, it was she who left him.

All for good reasons, she reminded herself, but it didn’t stop her breath from seizing. Elizabeth looked away from Donald’s gaze and took a moment to compose herself. With one final deep breath, that did very little to help, she turned back to him with a forced smile.

“If Callum wishes to indulge in what your Club has to offer, then that is his right.” But she had to take a deep breath to continue and push back the emotion choking her. “I wish only that he might forget the trouble I’ve caused him.”

Donald set the package on the bed and said quite succinctly. “He’ll never forget you. But I’m not here to argue the merits of returning to him openly.” His gaze bored through her and though Elizabeth wanted to move, she found herself rooted to the chair. “No, my dear, I have a far different suggestion in mind.”

“I don’t know what you intend to propose,” she said sharply. “My decision is firm. Callum is best off without me in his life. If he’s to go to the Club, then please,” and there was a desperate note in her voice. “Find him a woman, or women,” she added, for she knew well what went on in the Hellfire Club, “who can help him forget.”

Donald looked silently at her for several long moments. Finally he nodded. “Perhaps you could be that woman.”

Elizabeth started to reply, but found she had no answer to his statement. His words weren’t what she expected him to utter, and now she sat there, feeling foolish and desperately wanting to agree.

Licking her lips, she tried not to remember the last time they’d been together. The way Callum’s hands felt on her body, the taste of his kiss. The scent of his skin. Her eyes closed and she shook away the thoughts, the sensations.

“Before you argue with me,” he said and Elizabeth opened her eyes, “hear me out. The requirements of tonight’s event are that no one remove their masque. As a member of the Club, Callum will be in attendance. I’ve already spoken to him.”

“Be that as it may,” she protested, “it’s still none of my concern what he does.”

Or with whom, she wanted to add, but the words refused to form.

“Don’t you see?” he asked, kneeling before her. He looked more determined than she’d ever seen him. “You’ll both be masqued. You can spend time with him, Elizabeth. Be with him. And he’ll never know it’s you.”

Yes. She wanted to say yes. Then again, no she didn’t. She didn’t want to be with the only man she’d ever loved and have him believe her to be naught more than a trussed up Club member. On the other hand, one more night with Callum tempted her beyond her ability to resist.

But of course he’d know it was her. They’d been lovers for weeks before news of her father’s arrest tore through society. He knew every curve of her body just as she knew every taste and scent of his.

“Too many things could go wrong,” she protested weakly. “No, it’s not a wise idea for me to be so close to Callum.” Elizabeth shook her head. “I don’t think I could stand it,” she whispered.

Donald stood and stared down at her with a hard, unforgiving gaze. “If you’re that determined to hold to your conviction not to return to Aycliff, then this is your only, your final opportunity to be with him as lovers.”

Standing, she glared right back. “I understand this, Donald.” But she stopped. Temptation pulled at her, and Elizabeth felt herself weakening. “There’s no way to be certain a masque would conceal my identity.”

He looked at her again then asked softly, “Aren’t you willing to take that risk for him?”

As she struggled for a reply, torn between one final evening with Callum and the risk it involved, Donald reached for the package on the bed. He untied the string and held out the masque to her.

“The Club will be full,” he said. “Nearly all our London members will be in attendance. And as you know, they’ll be participating in all types of carnal pleasures. Take this moment and use the distractions of the Club to share a last embrace with Aycliff.”

Eyes on the masque, Elizabeth’s vision blurred until the beautiful gold filigree disappeared behind emotion. She hastily wiped at the tears, and composed herself. Still not trusting herself to speak, she took the masque from Donald and tried to talk herself out of it. The masque felt light in her hands, and she ran a fingertip along the eye slits.

“Take this risk.”

Elizabeth licked her lips and looked up at him. “What do I have to do?”