AllFreeNovel
Share Us
At her nod, he turned back to Sally. “You will now describe for me in detail every individual you’ve made contact with who works for Boucher, beginning with the most recent,” he commanded, taking out his little notebook and pencil.
Two hours passed, during which Jacqueline left three times to check on Janet. On her third return, Will marked her ashen face.
“The purge has finally ended,” she responded. “But she’s very weak and in a lot of pain. Dr. Horton has given her a calming tonic for her stomach, but refuses to administer laudanum. If she improves, he may relent, but for now it does not look well for her. He asked that we pray for her.”
His hands trembled with the urge to vent his rage on a solid object. Focus on the task at hand… Before him, Sally sat, her face gone white again. Clearing his throat, he addressed her. “You understand of course that we cannot allow you to go free.”
Jacqueline spoke before Sally could reply. “You will be confined until this matter is resolved. One of the quarantine rooms should suffice.” At his askance look, she explained. “We have three small bedchambers reserved for use in the event a child contracts a contagion. Their windows all face the inner court.”
“The window must be sealed. We cannot risk her escaping before I can apprehend Boucher. And someone trustworthy should stand guard at her door. It must be watched at all times.”
She nodded. “I will see to it.” Rising, she beckoned to Sally. “Come with me, and don’t be afraid. No one will mistreat you. You have my word.”
“Am I to be shut away until she’s caught?” asked the girl, hesitating. “She’ll be expecting to hear from me within a day or two.”
“I’m afraid your imprisonment cannot be avoided, nor can I allow you to communicate with anyone outside, but I’m not so cruel as to keep you locked away from the light and air. I will accompany you out into the inner court every afternoon to take in the air…”
He watched with misgiving as Jacqueline led the girl away. She was far too kindhearted, all things considered. Bruises or not, sister or not, he would’ve allowed the traitor two meals and a change of chamber pot per day—and naught else until this business was finished and her story verified.
In the meantime, he must reprise his role as Lord Huxton. Going to his room, he took out the best suit of clothing he had on hand. It fell far short of a wealthy man’s garb, but it would do until he reached the house in St. James. As far as he knew, no one else had occupied the place since he’d left. The finery he’d worn ought to still be there.
Now he just had to figure out how to leave without being caught by Boucher’s bully boys.
Chapter Eighteen
Jacqueline smoothed a loose lock of hair off her brow and tucked it back into her bun. She was weary beyond imagining. But it was more than physical fatigue that dragged at her eyelids as she replaced the stopper on the inkwell—it went bone deep and penetrated both heart and soul.
Janet was deathly ill, and though she knew she had to obey the command in Boucher’s letter, every fiber of Jacqueline’s being rebelled against leaving the little girl’s side. But it was the only way to end this. Until it was over, she and everyone here were prisoners.
Unlocking her desk drawer, she withdrew her pistols. She and Will would each carry one, and her driver would also be armed.
“Is it finished?” Will asked from the doorway.
She held up the letter with its damning message.
“Excellent.”
Inside, Jacqueline wanted to scream, to give voice to the pain in her breast at the thought of what would happen if his plan failed. Outside, she remained calm. “If she ever shows her face to me again, I will kill her.”
Drawing near, he wrapped his arms around her. “You cannot,” he murmured at her ear. “I know you wish to exact vengeance yourself, but you cannot—not without risking your life or, at the very least, your liberty. The testimony of two children is not strong enough to ensure your freedom. Let me do this—not only is it my job, but it’s my honor and privilege to act on your behalf. I’ll have her, one way or another.”
Her heart ached with tenderness at the gentle caress of his hand against her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered. “My heart knows you speak truth, yet it rankles to let anyone else fight my battles. I’m frightened for you.” A soft laugh rumbled in his chest, and she pulled back. “I fail to see any humor in our plight.”
“I laugh not from amusement, but from sheer surprise. Never did I imagine myself willing—wanting, even—to kill for the love of any woman. But for you…”
“For all of us,” she corrected. “Don’t forget Janet and the others. We are all threatened.”
“Yes, and for that I will not only bring Boucher to justice, but as many of those who’ve dirtied their hands on her behalf as possible. London will be a better place when I’m done.” Bending, he kissed her lightly. “Come, we must away if we are to arrive on time. How do I look?”
Standing back, she appraised him. “I suppose it will do.”
“I’m escaping from a deadly threat, not going for a promenade on Rotten Row,” he teased. “It’s time to leave. Are you ready?”
“No.”
“Good. Shall we?” He held out his arm.
Resigned, Jacqueline took it, and together they went down to the carriage house. She and Mr. Young made certain no one was lurking about before Will slipped inside and secreted himself in the conveyance.
