The Mysterious Lord Marlowe (11 page)

‘Oh, no, how dreadful for her,’ Jane said, feeling sympathy for the lady. ‘You have my word that I shall never reveal one word of what you have told me. May I ask—was she the lady I saw you with last evening?’

‘Yes, Verity was present last night.’ George sighed. ‘She is a busy hostess and delights in the social calendar. If she were forced to leave London in disgrace, I think she would pine and fade away entirely. She loves her children and I fear Markham would forbid her to see them.’

‘That is so unfair, though her husband has the right to be angry with her, of course,’ Jane said. She leaned towards him and touched his hand. ‘I understand completely why you felt compelled to help Blake, sir. You love your
sister and wish to protect her, as any caring brother would.’

‘Unfortunately, I have failed her,’ George said. ‘She has now received another blackmail letter. Blake is demanding twenty thousand pounds for the return of her possessions and the letter. Verity cannot pay and I shall have to sell land to find such a sum.’

‘I thought you meant to discover where Blake was hiding and take back your sister’s letters?’

‘I searched for him, but after I rescued Mariah, he went to ground and I could find no sign of his whereabouts. Then I received a letter from Verity begging me to come to London.’

‘I see…’ Jane was thoughtful. ‘My brother has men searching for Blake and so has the duke. They are determined to bring him to justice. Would you consider meeting with Andrew and pooling what information you have? Perhaps one of you might have something that would lead to his discovery and capture.’

‘Your brother made it clear that if I came near you again he would do his best to see me behind bars.’

‘Andrew is sometimes hasty,’ Jane said. ‘I
believe you would find the duke more reasonable. He was very grateful that you had brought Mariah back to us. Although she is no longer his ward in legal terms, he feels himself responsible for her safety and welfare.’

‘If I could discover where Blake has gone to ground, I might also find the letters,’ George said. ‘Is your brother in town?’

‘Not at this moment, but if I sent for him he would come. I know he has other business, but he wishes to see this unpleasant affair settled.’

‘Very well, send for him,’ George said. ‘I shall not give him my reasons for being persuaded to join Blake—that information was for you alone, Miss Lanchester. I did not wish you to think me a heartless rogue.’

‘I have never thought that,’ Jane said and smiled. She stood up and he rose to his feet. She moved towards him, gazing up into his face. ‘If I can do anything to help you or your sister, I should count it an honour. I did not thank you sufficiently for rescuing both Mariah and me.’

‘Miss Lanchester—’ George broke off as the door to the parlour opened and Lady Mary entered. Jane felt her cheeks grow warm as she moved away from him. George bowed to her
godmother and smiled. ‘Lady Mary, forgive me for calling this early. I fear I have inconvenienced you and Miss Lanchester.’

‘Not at all, my dear boy.’ Lady Mary beamed and offered her hand for him to kiss. ‘To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?’

* * *

‘Lady Markham is giving a small dinner this evening. She would very much like to invite you both, but fears that a late invitation may appear rude.’

‘Not at all. I dare say she did not know I had my goddaughter staying. You may tell Verity that we shall be delighted to join you. We have a card party later in the evening, but were to dine at home. We can easily come to you and then go on later.’

‘My sister will be so pleased,’ George said and bowed to Jane. ‘It has been delightful to renew our acquaintance, Miss Lanchester.’

‘You know each other?’

‘We met briefly some time ago,’ Jane replied quickly. ‘I was not sure last evening, but Lord George has reminded me.’

‘Well, how pleasant this is to be sure,’ Lady Mary said. ‘Have you met Lady Markham?’

‘I have seen her, but we have not yet met. I shall look forward to it.’

‘I must take my leave,’ George said. ‘Once again, I ask you to forgive the early call, Lady Mary—Miss Lanchester.’

He bowed his head, turned and left the room. Lady Mary was silent for a moment, then, ‘No wonder your attention was caught last evening, Jane. It is awkward when one cannot quite recall a face—though I do not think many young ladies would forget Lord George.’

‘No, perhaps not,’ Jane said and turned away, feeling guilty for lying to her. Her godmother’s words were only too true. George—or Lord George, as she must think of him now—had scarcely been out of her thoughts since the night he found her in the hut. ‘It was kind of Lady Markham to invite us, was it not?’

‘Yes, though it is but a month since I last dined with her.’ Lady Mary looked thoughtful. ‘Lord George intended a longer stay in the country, I believe. He must have returned to town at his sister’s request. I have thought something was troubling her of late—I suppose you know nothing of it, Jane?’

‘If I had been given privileged information, I could not repeat it, ma’am.’

‘No, you could not and I should not wish you to,’ Lady Mary replied. ‘I shall not ask you to
break a confidence, though I may know more than you imagine. Yes, I see—things begin to make sense now.’

Jane wondered just how much her godmother did know of the affair, but she was not at liberty to discuss Lady Markham’s predicament. Lord George had told her in confidence, because he did not wish her to think ill of him. Was there something more on his mind? Jane suspected that she would have heard more if Lady Mary had not arrived when she did.

‘Do they?’ Jane smiled. ‘Shall I send for some refreshments, ma’am? After that, I have a letter to write…’

‘Oh, George—’ Lady Markham looked at her brother in distress ‘—I wish you had not told her. What will she think of me?’

‘I told you I must, dearest. Jane deserved an explanation,’ he replied sternly. ‘Forgive me, but I needed her to know the truth—to understand why I agreed to help Blake in the first place.’

It had shocked George to see Jane the previous evening. For a moment he’d thought he might be accused of his ill deeds before his friends, but then he’d known that Jane would
not be so cruel. Even so, he had not been able to greet her naturally. After her brother had forbidden him to contact her, he had reluctantly decided that he must dismiss her from his mind. A resolution that was harder to achieve than he had expected. Jane was a remarkable young woman, very different from his sister and mother. Her cool independence had impressed him and he had felt a burning need to protect her, but when he’d ridden off with Blake that day he had believed he might die within hours.

It had taken a lot of swift talking to convince Blake that he knew nothing of her whereabouts. They had argued violently and George knew that the other man had come close to shooting him that day. He had survived because Blake thought he would not dare to speak out lest he lose both reputation and perhaps his life.

‘I wish I had never met him!’

George’s attention returned to his sister. He looked at her ruefully as she wiped her tears.

‘That was my fault for introducing you. Had I known what a rogue he was, I should never have invited him to join us that autumn.’

‘It was not your fault, George,’ Verity replied and dabbed at her eyes with a lace kerchief
scented with lavender water. ‘I do not know what possessed me to become involved with him. I had discovered Markham’s affair and we were at odds, but I should not have been drawn into a clandestine relationship of my own. This is all my fault.’

‘No, dearest,’ Lord George comforted his sister. ‘You need not imagine that Jane would betray you. She is the bravest…the most sympathetic of women…’

‘You care for her?’ Verity’s soft brown eyes widened.

‘I hardly know Miss Lanchester—but, yes, I do care for her good opinion.’ Lord George sighed. He was uncertain as to the depths of his feelings, though he suspected that they might be deeper than he knew. ‘I dare say she thinks me an unprincipled rogue—but she would never betray me or you.’

‘I have ruined your life as well as my own,’ his sister declared a trifle dramatically. ‘You will hate me. You cannot possibly pay such a huge sum. What shall I do? Markham will divorce me.’

‘It may not come to that,’ he said to comfort her. ‘I am looking into my affairs to see how much I can raise. Blake may be reasonable—or
I may be able to recover the letters. I should attempt it if I could discover where he has hidden them.’

‘Would he not have them at his country house?’ Verity said. ‘It is little more than a cottage, really, but no more than an hour’s ride from Markham’s estate. It was where we met when…’

Lord George stared at his sister in disbelief. ‘Why have you not mentioned this before? You knew I was searching for him, Verity.’

‘I thought you knew he had a house in Devon.’ She blushed and turned away abruptly. ‘I was embarrassed to mention it and it slipped my mind until this moment.’

Lord George bit back the sharp remark. Had his sister felt inclined to tell him this, he might never have become embroiled in the abduction in the first place.

‘If you will furnish me with more details, I shall pay Captain Blake a visit tomorrow.’

‘I dare say he will not be there. His last letter hinted that he was in town and would contact me soon. Besides, the house is closed up and there is only a caretaker—which was convenient when…’ Once again she was unable to continue.

‘All the better. I intend to search the place and it may be easier if there is only a caretaker to deal with.’

‘Supposing he is there—supposing he discovers you searching his house?’ Verity gave a little sob of despair. ‘He would kill you and ruin me. If Markham discovers the truth, it will be the end of everything.’

‘Have you not considered telling your husband the truth? Perhaps it would clear the air between you. If you told him how miserable you were and swore it would not happen again, he might forgive you.’

‘Please, do not ask me to do that,’ his sister cried in alarm. ‘You must help me, George. If I am disgraced, I shall kill myself.’

‘Promise me you will not be so foolish.’ Lord George sighed. ‘I shall do all I can to recover your property, dearest. Tell me again what he has of yours, please.’

‘There are at least ten letters, a silk kerchief with my initials—and a brooch Markham gave me. He would never forgive me for losing it, but the pin was loose and—
he
promised to have it repaired.’

‘I dare say Blake may have sold it if it was valuable.’

‘It was a diamond star and an heirloom. I was such a fool to trust him—but he was so charming and I was very unhappy.’

‘You were taken in and Markham had broken your heart. I do not blame you, Verity, but we must face facts. If I am unable to conceal this business, some of the truth may come out—and if it does you would do well to throw yourself on your husband’s mercy and ask him to forgive you.’

‘I cannot. I would rather die.’

Lord George turned away with a sigh. It seemed he had no choice but to search Blake’s house. If he were lucky enough to discover his sister’s letters, he might save her from the threat of blackmail, but he had an uneasy feeling. Blake was ruthless. If he did not get what he wanted, he would find some other way of taking revenge.

The only way to free his sister of the threat was to see Blake behind bars—and that meant confessing his own guilt in the abduction of Lady Fanshawe.

It was as well that he had been prevented from saying more to Jane by the arrival of Lady Mary that morning. George had been too busy to consider marriage since his return from the
army and now was not the time. He could yet be arrested and tried for the abduction of two young women.

Even had he been certain that Jane Lanchester was the woman he wished to make his wife, he could not have spoken. Besides, he wanted to be absolutely certain of his own feelings for Jane. George had seen his sister marry for the wrong reasons and some of his friends had put money and property before true affection.

Still, he believed that Jane was a brave, independent lady and the kind of woman he had looked for all his life. Given the time and opportunity he would like to know her better—but for the moment he had other things to do.

‘I
am pleased to meet you,’ Jane said as she was introduced to Lady Markham. ‘Thank you for inviting us this evening. It was most kind of you’

‘Oh, that was my brother George’s idea,’ the lady said and then blushed. ‘Forgive me, I did not mean to sound ungracious. Of course I wished to meet you. George has told me a great deal about…well, you know…’

‘I dare say you have things on your mind,’ Jane replied and touched her hand. ‘You must not feel uncomfortable. Nothing your brother has told me will pass my lips. You have my promise.’

‘Thank you. This is most awkward—forgive
me, my husband is looking this way. I must enquire what he wants.’

Glancing towards her host, Jane saw a man in his middle years. He was good-looking, but a little overweight and looked to be of a hasty temper. She saw what she thought was a sharp exchange between husband and wife and then everyone was asked to remove into the dining room.

‘May I take you in, Miss Lanchester?’

Jane took Lord George’s arm and smiled at him. ‘You really should not have pressed your sister to invite us, sir. I think you have thrown out her arrangements.’

‘I needed an excuse to see you,’ he replied and laughed softly. The sound was attractive and Jane reflected that there had not been much occasion for laughter so far in their relationship. ‘I shall be leaving town for a short time—on the business that you know of. I felt it only polite to tell you.’

Jane nodded. His manner was polite, but there was nothing intimate about it, but then, they had not known each other long. Circumstance had thrown them together, but he was a very distinguished and well-liked man. There was no reason he should pay her particular attention.

No doubt he could have his pick of the young ladies looking for marriage.

‘I have written to my brother. He should be here in a few days, sir.’

‘I shall be happy to speak to Lord Lanchester when I return.’

‘Your trip out of town…’ she lowered her voice ‘…you go in search of Captain Blake?’

‘I have learned of a house he owns that I did not know existed. I intend to see if he is in hiding there—and perhaps I will be able to recover Verity’s property.’

‘Yes, I understand. I wish you good fortune—please take care, sir. I should not like you to come to harm.’

‘Thank you, Miss Lanchester. It is good of you to take an interest in my welfare after the way I behaved.’

His lips smiled, but his eyes did not reflect warmth. She wondered at his thoughts. Why did she feel that he was holding back from her? She had revealed so much of herself to him when they were fleeing from Blake, but it was almost as if they were strangers. Why had he created this barrier between them?

‘I think you were a little too reckless at the
start, perhaps, but in every other way you are blameless.’

‘Thank you. You are generous, Miss Lanchester.’

Still so formal and no true smile. Had she offended him? Was he trying to show her that she had no claim on him? Glancing away, she felt her cheeks become heated. She would never dream of making a claim on him—certainly none that would require a sacrifice of him. He had kissed her in a way that had seemed to indicate feeling or need, but nothing else had occurred. Did he think she would expect an offer from him?

The thought embarrassed her. Jane would never make a marriage of convenience. For her true affection and respect were all-important.

They had reached the dining room. Jane discovered she had been placed between her host and a lady she knew only slightly. Lord George held a chair for her and then took his place at the opposite side of the table. She saw the quick glance of annoyance he sent his sister’s way and guessed that he had hoped to sit next to her. Since it would have been impossible to continue their conversation at the table, Jane was not too distressed at finding herself with strangers. She made pleasant conversation with
her companions, noticing the odd glances her host sent his wife’s way throughout the evening.

Turning to him, she said, ‘It was kind of Lady Markham to invite us this evening, sir. I believe she must have had to make new arrangements for our sake?’

‘My wife is fond of her brother. He asked if she would invite you, Miss Lanchester. I must say it is unlike him to make such a request. He has shown no preference for any lady of our acquaintance before this. My wife was pleased to oblige him. We should all be pleased to see him settled.’

‘I hardly know Lord George,’ Jane said, blushing faintly. Goodness! Was George thinking it his duty to offer? ‘You must not read too much into a simple request, sir.’

‘Well, I know nothing of these things, Miss Lanchester. As I said, my wife is very fond of her brother. I would she were as fond of her husband.’

Jane did not know how to reply to his very odd remark and merely smiled. Clearly, Lord Markham had something on his mind or he would not have said such a revealing thing to a stranger. She doubted he even realised what he
had said, but was merely voicing his thoughts aloud.

Did he suspect his wife of having had an affair? Could he possibly know the whole story? She certainly thought she caught a jealous look in his eye once or twice, but kept her thoughts neatly tucked away at the back of her mind. She must say nothing that would arouse suspicion, and yet something in his manner made her suspect that Lord Markham was in love with his wife and might have come to her rescue had she been brave enough to confide in him.

It was not Jane’s affair to speculate on intimate matters such as these. She must not interfere. What she had been told was in the strictest confidence.

* * *

After dinner, Jane and Lady Mary took their leave of their hostess. She was able to say farewell to Lord George, but no more, for they could not linger.

* * *

George watched Jane Lanchester leave his sister’s house and felt a deep regret. He cursed the moment of recklessness that had made him agree to help Blake. Had he met Jane under other circumstances, they might have stood a
chance, but he could not think that she would have the slightest interest in a man who had abducted both her and one of her friends. The wonder was that she had not immediately denounced him as a rogue to his friends.

‘Is something the matter, Marlowe?’

George turned his head as his brother-in-law approached him, bringing his thoughts sharply back to the present. ‘No, nothing at all—I was just lost in thought.’

Lord Markham inclined his head. ‘Miss Lanchester is a charming young woman. You might do much worse if you were thinking of settling down.’

‘I think I could do no better,’ George said with a rueful smile. ‘However, I do not believe she will have me.’

‘She would be a fool to turn you down, George. You are one of the best catches on the market, dear fellow—and a good sort. Verity is very fond of you.’

‘As I am of her,’ George replied. Something in his brother-in-law’s tone made him wonder if Verity might receive more understanding from her husband than she believed. ‘Are you bothered about something yourself?’

‘No…’ Lord Markham hesitated. ‘Nothing at all.’

George looked at him thoughtfully. Markham was hiding his thoughts, as he himself had earlier. It was a pity that Verity would not make a clean breast of things to her husband. He was fairly sure that it would clear the air between them so that they could begin again—but, since she was not prepared to take the chance, George must try once again to recover her property.

‘Well, I have an early start, so I shall take my leave of you, Markham.’

‘Going out of town again?’

‘Yes. Business takes me away for a few days. Excuse me, I must say goodnight to Verity.’

Walking away, George put his thoughts of private happiness behind him. He needed to find those damned letters—and then he was determined to bring Blake to justice, whatever the cost to himself.

* * *

‘Andrew—you’ve arrived,’ Jane said as she entered the house after a shopping trip two days later. ‘I hardly expected you so soon.’

‘Did you expect me?’ Andrew frowned.
‘I received some interesting information and posted up to town immediately.’

‘Then you will not have had my letter?’

‘You wrote to me—about?’

‘Lord Lanchester,’ Lady Mary said, turning to greet him and interrupting their conversation. ‘How lovely to see you again so soon. I do hope you have come to stay for a while this time?’

‘I could remove to a hotel if it is inconvenient, ma’am. I had business here—and wished to consult Jane on a matter of some importance.’

‘Naturally, you will stay here,’ Lady Mary said. ‘I should not dream of your going to a hotel. You are very welcome whenever you choose to visit.’

‘Thank you.’ He reached out and took her hand to kiss it. ‘It is a while since I visited London for pleasure. Perhaps I may accompany you this evening?’

‘We go to a ball,’ Lady Mary said. ‘Lady Mellors is a good friend and will not mind my bringing an extra gentleman guest in the least. The more gentlemen the better.’

‘Then I shall be pleased to escort you.’ Andrew bowed his head and then glanced at Jane.
‘When you have a moment to spare, I should be grateful if we could have a quiet word?’

‘Of course. I shall just go up and tidy myself—and then we shall talk.’

Jane frowned as she ran up the stairs. What had brought Andrew to town in such haste?

* * *

She was not kept long in ignorance. Andrew was waiting for her when she returned to the small back parlour. He had been standing with his hands behind his back as he gazed out into the gardens, but turned immediately to face her.

‘I believe I may know the true identity of that George fellow,’ he told her. ‘I spoke to some of my colleagues in the regiment before I came here and one of them mentioned a name. I thought that night that I might have seen the man before, but was not sure—now I think I recall him. He was an officer in another regiment, but his sister was rumoured to be involved with a Captain Blake…’

‘Yes, I know,’ Jane said, her cheeks taking fire as he stared at her. ‘The man I knew as simply George is actually Lord George Marlowe—and, well, I cannot tell you the rest for it was told to me in confidence. I shall tell you
that I believe him to be a man of honour despite what happened.’

‘When did you discover this?’ Andrew frowned. ‘Was that the reason for your letter?’

‘What I may tell you is that Lord George became involved in the whole sordid affair in order to recover some property from Blake. I believe him when he says that he was told it was merely an elopement—and I know that he is truly sorry for his part in the affair.’

‘That is as may be.’ Andrew’s mouth thinned. ‘If you know all this, perhaps you can tell me where I can find this…gentleman?’

‘I believe he is out of town,’ Jane replied. ‘He has discovered something, a house he did not know of previously, and intends to make a search for his property—and Blake.’

‘I wish he had waited for me. From what I have learned of this Captain Blake, he is a ruthless devil. Lord George might be killed…’ He broke off as Jane gasped. ‘I hope you have not become attached to the fellow, Jane. You should not place too much trust in what he tells you. He may yet be a scoundrel and a rogue for all we know.’

‘You are too harsh, Andrew. Had Lord George been a rogue, he would not have rescued
either Mariah or me. I believe he has risked a great deal to do so.’

‘You may be right. However, Blake must be brought to justice. He has been thwarted once, but a man like that will not rest until he has what he needs—and that is a great deal of money. One of the things I discovered from my colleagues in the regiment is that he is deeply in debt. As I understand it, his family estate in Devon is to be sold by the bank soon.’

‘Then he may try again.’ Jane looked at him anxiously. ‘Will Mariah be safe?’

‘Mariah and her friends are going abroad as soon as it can be arranged,’ Andrew said. ‘She is almost well enough to think of a sea journey. In the meantime, she does not leave the house alone. Avonlea has doubled the patrols about his estate and the men have been told to challenge strangers and shoot if necessary.’

‘I am glad to hear it. I do not think she could bear to have such a thing happen again.’

‘Mariah is of a stronger constitution than you might think, though still very quiet and reserved, most unlike herself. It is touching to see her so affected. Perhaps that is why I feel so angry with a man who ought to have
known better than to become embroiled in such an affair.’

‘You have seen her recently?’

‘I visited before I left for London. I was sure you would be anxious for news of her.’

‘Yes, I am glad to know she is recovering,’ Jane said. ‘Being abducted
is
alarming, though I was fortunate.’

‘Mariah was drugged for a lot of the time. Lucinda confided to me that Mariah has told her a little more of her ordeal. Apparently, she screamed and fought her captors so violently that Blake forced her to drink something to keep her quiet. You were more fortunate, Jane.’

‘Yes, indeed, for I had help. Mariah’s fate might well have been mine had Lord George not been there to help me.’

Andrew fixed her with a hard stare. ‘I must repeat my warning, Jane. I will not consider any type of a relationship between you and Lord George.’

‘Yes, I see that,’ Jane said quietly. She lifted her head, keeping the pain his words had caused hidden. ‘Excuse me, I must go and change. We have an appointment this afternoon.’

Jane’s head was high as she left the parlour,
but inside she was weeping. Andrew thought he was in the right but he could not know that her heart was already engaged.

* * *

Blake’s Devonshire house was in darkness when George reached it. It appeared empty and, from various signs of neglect in the grounds, he guessed that it must have been closed for some months. He could not know if Blake kept a caretaker in residence, but, after checking both the front, back and sides of what was a modest country estate, he believed there was no one in the property.

Until Verity had told him of Blake’s love nest, he had not known of its existence and he had great hopes of finding his sister’s letters before the night was through.