Page 32 of His Lady

Regina watched out the window until the two imbeciles began their short journey to the earl’s estate. Breathing a sigh of relief was too soon for Regina. There was still much to be done before she felt relaxed again. But first things first...

She darted toward the hidden room, lifted the door, and hurried down the stairs. She had heard enough from Jane and Wayne to let Regina know what she was searching for. Thankfully, it didn’t take her long to find the bottle of self-made poison that Harold andthe boyshad created.

It didn’t take her long before uncorking the wine bottle she had brought from home. She took a couple of gulps before pouring some of the poison inside the wine bottle. She planned to give the Meyer family a taste of their own medicine, but she needed luck on her side.

She dashed up the stairs and lowered the secret door. Holding the wine bottle close to her chest, she rushed out of the warehouse and to her horse. Even though she was an untitled lady, she knew when to ride sidesaddle. However, this was not the time. Getting to the earl’s estate was more important than decorum.

Regina knew this area so well she could sleepwalk through every street without getting lost. Immediately, she pieced together in her mind the shortcuts she would take. She didn’t want to reach the estate sooner than Jane, but being too late wasn’t an option, either.

As she rode, she thought of Wayne and the forbidden feelings for him that she kept locked in her heart. When she had met with Wayne at his father’s jewelry store, she had enjoyed every moment while in his arms until realizing her friend meant more to her than the man whose kisses distracted her. But now, he was more important than anything. Regina would not tolerate the criminal misconduct of her friend and the earl. After today, Regina would put them from her mind forever and allow her feelings for Wayne to escalate.

There was no doubt in her mind that Wayne shared her feelings. Although he had been pretending with Jane, Regina could tell there was no pretense between them. She couldn’t fault him for not telling her about being a Bow Street Runner. Knowing this fact about him only made him more special in her heart.

Regina reached the earl’s estate but rode through the back fields toward his home instead of coming regularly. There were more trees for her to hide this way.

She found a spot, dismounted, and tied the horse to the tree. This spot was perfect for spying on the house. Jane’s coach had just arrived at the front of the house, but she had hurried inside, leaving the tall man to stand by the vehicle. Within minutes, Jane and three other men came out and lifted Wayne from the coach.

Regina’s heartbeat whacked so hard against her ribs she feared they might break. When would she know the time was right for making an appearance? She didn’t want to arrive minutes after the others entered, nor did she want to show up too late.

Shifting from one foot to the other, she squeezed her fingers around the neck of the wine bottle, counting down the minutes in her head. Although the memories shared with Wayne threatened to resurface, she pushed them aside. She concentrated on the matter at hand, promising herself that after she rescued Wayne, then – and only then – would be the time to begin new memories.

After about fifteen minutes, she straightened her shoulders and walked to the front door. She must act normal. After all, showing up unannounced was something she constantly did. But she must not show her disgust for Jane and her father in her action or words.

She swallowed hard and rang the bell.I can do this!She also prayed that things would work out with her saving Wayne. She wouldn’t be able to bear it if she caused him any harm because of her actions today.

The Meyer’s butler answered the door, wearing a dire expression. He opened the door wider, and she walked inside.

“Good day, Gilbert.” It was difficult to keep a cheerful sound to her voice, and she hoped the butler didn’t notice.

“Good day, Miss Taylor.” He glanced toward the parlor. “Lady Jane is rather busy this morning.”

“She is?” Regina forced a small laugh. “I actually didn’t know if she would be awake yet.”

“Yes, Miss Taylor. She is awake, but she is in with her father and his associates.”

“Her father and cousins are there, too?” Regina lifted her voice purposely. “That’s wonderful because I would like to see them, as well.”

Without waiting for Gilbert to show her the way, she headed toward the parlor. Behind her, she heard the butler calling out to her to stop, reassuring her that they werein a meeting. It didn’t matter. She was determined, and she wouldn’t allow anyone to convince her otherwise.

The second she opened the door, everyone’s eyes were turned toward her. She was certain that they heard the butler’s panicked voice, alerting them to stop whatever they were doing and act accordingly.

Jane stood by her father, and the tall man at the warehouse stood on the other side of the room near thecousins. Harold’s face held a scowl, even though he tried to hide it. Jane peered at Regina with her fake smile and tenderness – a look Regina now wanted to slap off the woman’s face.

At first, she couldn’t see Wayne, but as she slowly scanned the room, she noticed him in a chair near the hearth. Thankfully, he was alert. He wasn’t wearing a ripped cloth around his head as before. However, the way he sat with his back toward the hearth, Regina wondered if he was like this to hide the gash in his head.

“Forgive me for interrupting,” Regina quickly said, “but I couldn’t wait another moment.”

“Whatever are you doing here this early in the morning?” Jane took quick steps toward Regina until she stood in front of her and touched her arm.

“I should be asking you the same thing.” Regina chuckled lightly. “I usually have to wake you up in the morning.”

Jane brushed her hand through the air. “I went on an early ride.” She lowered her gaze to the wine bottle. “Why are you here?”

Regina held up the bottle. “To celebrate, of course.” She grinned excitedly. “Yesterday, when I was with your father and Mr. Nichols, I was able to get to know your fiancé better. Please forgive me for doubting your judgment before, Jane. I now know what a wonderful man Mr. Nichols is and how much he loves you.”

She glanced briefly at Wayne. Confusion was written all over his face. Of course, he would be confused, and she prayed he would stay that way until all of this was over.

“Oh, Reggie.” Jane shook her head and giggled. “You really shouldn’t have come so early just to bring a bottle of wine.”

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