Her Brooding Duke (The Worthington Legacy #7)

Chapter Thirty-Three

L ouisa blinked, not once but several times to clear her vision. The man she never thought she’d see again stood just inside her prison; a room so small it barely had space for a cot—if that was what this thing she sat upon was called. She’d had a better bed while working for Macgregor.

Seeing Trevor standing there made her heart leap, but she didn’t dare get too anxious and hope Trevor was here to save her. Then again, his expression wasn’t one of anger. Instead, sadness and regret laced his eyes and his frown.

“T—Tre… Your Grace?” There was a catch in her voice, and she wished it hadn’t sounded so helpless.

“Louisa,” he said taking a step closer. “This is wrong. So wrong.”

All right, so maybe he wasn’t here to save her. “Indeed, it is.”

His gaze jumped around the room, not resting on anything for a few awkward moments until it reached her eyes then stopped.

“Oh, Louisa. This is my fault. All of it.” He rushed to her, knelt on one knee, and grasped her cold hands.

Still not believing any of this was happening, Louisa blinked again, but this time it was to stop her tears from building. Her efforts were wasted when liquid streamed down her face. She shook her head. “You shouldn’t kneel on the floor. God only knows what vermin has been on this ground.” She pulled his hands to help him up, but he was unmovable.

“My dearest, Louisa, I know you didn’t kill Macgregor, although I would not have blamed you if you had. There were several times I wanted to relieve your suffering by ending that man’s life.” Trevor rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles.

“I—I—” Her voice choked and she swallowed hard to help move the lump of emotion stuck in her throat. “I didn’t kill him.”

“I know, my dear, which is why I’m here. I want to help you any way I can.”

“You cannot.” She shook her head. “My childhood friend, Miss Eliza Watson, has created a lie that only festers and grows larger. I have no way to cease her stories, and I cannot prove my innocence.” She sniffed. “I am destined for the gallows, I fear.”

“No! I forbid it.” Trevor’s voice rose. “There must be a way out of this nightmare. I cannot let this happen to you. My life has changed so drastically since you entered, and I cannot imagine my future without you in it.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

A soapy, yet woodsy scent enveloped her and she wanted to close her eyes and pretend she was back in his home living out her dream. But his clean smell reminded her where she’d been for the past few days as reality shook her to her senses.

“No.” She pushed him away. “I have been sleeping in a stable, wrapped in a horse blanket. Your Grace, you should not be so personal with me holding me so close, and you should definitely not be here.”

He withdrew, his eyes narrowed and lips turned downward as he stared into her eyes. “Don’t you want me here, Louisa?”

Her heart lurched again. “That’s not what I said.”

“I know it is not, but I still expect you to answer my question from your heart.”

Dropping her attention to his cravat, her bottom lip trembled. She fought the turbulent emotions spinning through her, especially when all she wanted to do was cry like a baby. “Your Grace, as much as I want my fairytale dream to come true, I know it is impossible. I have lived as a vagabond—a criminal—for six years. Your children deserve so much better than a woman who used to steal just so she could eat a decent meal. You deserve better than a woman who has lived on the streets wearing tattered clothes and who rarely bathed.”

He lifted her chin with his fingers until she met his warm, blue gaze. “My children deserve someone who shows them love and who will take the time to play with them and teach them. They deserve someone who loves them unconditionally. I deserve a woman who makes me laugh and whom I want to be with every moment of the day. I deserve a woman who makes me happy, and makes me feel loved more than I have ever felt before.” With both hands, he cupped her face. “We don’t care that you were a vagabond and picked pockets because we know why you did it. Your experience has made you the strong woman you are today. We don’t want anyone else. The children deserve you. And I want no other woman than the one I’m looking at now. You are the one for me, Louisa. You are the woman I love… the woman I want to love and make happy for the rest of our lives.”

She couldn’t hold back any longer. Closing her eyes, she buried her face in his neck and cried. Happiness burst inside her, yet at the same time, agony gripped her chest, making it hard to breathe. How could they ever become happy when she would be dragged to the gallows for murdering Macgregor any day now?

“Oh, Trevor.” She sniffed. “I dare not dream of a life with you and the twins. It’s impossible. Especially now.”

He kissed the side of her head. “It’s not impossible. My brothers and Lord Hawthorne are helping me. One way or another we will force Miss Watson to confess.”

Louisa lifted her head to look at him. Smiling, he wiped her tears with the pads of his thumbs. “Trevor, do you honestly believe she is going to confess after all these many years? She has worked hard to get where she is, and she isn’t going to let anything stop her from becoming a nobleman’s wife. She’s lied to so many people, especially my parents, and even if they knew I was alive, I fear they would not condone the kind of life I’ve led. They would not understand—or forgive—all the despicable things I have done.”

“But I have.” He kissed her lips briefly. “Do you not think your parents are as understanding as I? Believe me when I tell you, they will be. More so, in fact. I was the one who doubted you when I witnessed you taking my mother’s jewels. If I had been more understanding—and forgiving—I would have allowed you to explain instead of sending you out on the street.” His smile disappeared as sadness dulled his eyes. “If I had been more understanding, you would not be sitting here right now. Can you ever forgive me?”

The irony of the situation made her laugh, even though there was little humor to be found in her situation. “Oh, Trevor. You are such a gem. Is it any wonder I love you so much?” She swept her gaze over his handsome face. “There is nothing to forgive. You have been my deliverer all along. I adore you, and I always will.”

From behind Trevor, the prison guard cleared his throat loudly. Inwardly, Louisa cringed. How could she have forgotten they had company?

“My lord, your time is over,” the guard said gruffly.

Trevor pulled her into his arms again and kissed her. Although the kiss was not as passionate as she’d experienced from him before, she still felt all the emotion—and love—he had. In a small way, it comforted her to know he cared so much. And he’d help her.

Grudgingly, she pulled away. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you.” Smiling, he stood. “Keep believing good shall overcome all things.”

She nodded. “I will.” But as he walked out of the room and the door was closed and locked, it was hard not to let despair come over her once again. Her life had been one hurdle of disappointment after another, and now that her dream was within reach, she knew it would be hopelessly snatched away from her.

*

Trevor never thought he would be able to get in to see Lord and Lady Danvers since Trevor’s brothers and Dominic were not successful earlier today since the Danverses were out. But finally, Trevor was given an appointment to meet with them. Time was not passing fast enough. Each minute that ticked by made his heart cry with anguish. Louisa shouldn’t have to be punished by staying in that flea-infested room, and he would do anything to get her out. Anything.

Being idle was not a good way to pass time, and so after leaving the gaol, Trevor rode through the streets of London searching for something that might assist him in releasing Louisa. He even scoured the area where Macgregor was reported to have been killed. The good Lord must have had His hand in Louisa’s fate, because Trevor had stumbled across something that indeed would help Miss Watson confess. But now he needed to calm himself and not do anything rash in order for his plan to go smoothly.

“It’s time.”

Trey’s voice pulled Trevor from his thoughts as he looked upon his younger brother. Both brothers stood by Lord Hawthorne near the door to Trevor’s study, preparing to leave. All three looked so refined in their best as if they were ready to attend a lavish ball. Instead of the pleasantries that come with Society’s function, this evening their main purpose was to inform the Danverses about their long-lost daughter, and force Miss Watson to tell the truth.

Trevor heaved a heavy sigh, nodded, and hurried outside to his waiting horse.

The men rode in silence, which was a good thing because then Trevor could collect his thoughts, and pray like he’d never prayed before. This had to work. He couldn’t bear thinking of the woman he loved going to the gallows and hanged for a crime she didn’t commit.

They reached the manor, dismounted, and strode up the porch to the door. Trevor knocked and within seconds, the butler answered. Dressed respectfully in burgundy-and-black attire, the butler represented the House of Danvers well.

Trevor acknowledged the servant with a nod. “Good evening. I’m the Duke of Kenbridge, and I am here to see Lord and Lady Danvers, along with my brothers and Lord Hawthorne.”

“Please come in, Your Grace.” The butler bowed. “They are waiting for you in the sitting room.”

When Trevor entered the room, Lord and Lady Danvers stood, as well as their nephew, Lord Wellesely. They all bowed to each other. Trevor was relieved to see Miss Watson absent this time. Then again, how could he get the girl to confess if she wasn’t here?

“Your Grace,” the earl began, “what an honor it is to have you in our home.”

“I thank you, Danvers. It is an honor to be here.”

The earl motioned to the couches. “Please sit and we’ll call for refreshments.”

Trevor situated himself on the chair. “I want to say how disappointed I was that my mother’s dinner party ended so suddenly the other evening. I had hoped to get to know you all better. I trust Miss Watson is feeling better?”

Their hosts nodded, but it was Wellesley who leaned forward on his seat. “She is doing much better, thank you. In fact, her attitude has changed for the better within a day’s time.”

I’m certain it has. Trevor forced himself to smile. “I’m relieved to hear this. I was hoping to see her tonight and express my concern for her welfare.”

“Actually,” Lady Danvers said, “Miss Watson is expected for dinner tonight. She should be arriving soon, I believe.”

Thank you, Lord. Trevor’s smile was not forced this time. “Splendid. I look forward to our visit with her.” His brothers and Hawthorne nodded in agreement. “But until then, I would like to address a very delicate and emotional topic if you don’t mind.”

“What is it?” Lord Danvers asked in a worried tone.

Trevor glanced at his brothers, who gave him a reassuring nod. “The other night at my mother’s dinner party—” Trevor switched his attention to the hosts—“when we were discussing my friend’s memory loss, I believe we might have stumbled across something that affects you all.”

Lady Danvers twisted her hands in her lap. “The young lady whose name is Louisa?”

“Yes, the very same.” Trevor took a deep breath. “This poor lady had been told when she was twelve years of age that her parents were killed in a house fire, then she was immediately taken to Scotland and in the care of her friend’s uncle. From that point, she was sold to a man who hired young children to work for him—as pickpockets.”

The Danverses gasped, and Wellesley’s jaw tightened as he bunched his hands into fists.

Trevor continued, “Just recently, Louisa and the gang of thieves were brought to London. This is where I ran her over and nearly killed her. She had lost her memory from the accident, but during the weeks afterward, we realized she had been raised by parents of Quality. My mother met the young woman and realized she resembled Lady Danvers quite a bit with her beautiful green eyes.”

When he looked at the countess, her eyes watered. Trevor went on. “I didn’t dare hope she was your lost daughter until I had real proof. The other day, Louisa returned to the place where I had hit her with my curricle, in hopes of forcing her memory to return. It had.” He paused and licked his lips, but when he opened his mouth to finish, hurried footsteps pounded on the floor in the hallway just as Miss Watson flung open the door and rushed inside the room. All eyes turned toward hers.

“Oh, forgive me for being late and intruding upon your guests.” Patting her ringlets into place, she smiled politely and sashayed toward Wellesley.

“Eliza, please sit,” Wellesley snapped. “You interrupted the duke, who had come to tell us some interesting news.”

Miss Watson’s face hardened as she threw daggers Trevor’s way. She didn’t say a word but sat next to Wellesley.

“Please continue, Your Grace,” the earl urged. “What did your friend remember?”

Taking a deep breath, Trevor silently prayed everything would go according to his plan. It must. Louisa’s life was at stake. “Louisa remembers her identity now, and realized that for six years she had been lied to.” He moistened his throat. “She remembers being raised Elizabeth Louisa Hamilton. Your daughter.”

Gasps ricocheted around the room accompanied by Lady Danvers’s sobs as she covered her face. The earl stared wide eyed at Trevor as he slipped his arm around his wife’s shoulders. Wellesley’s face turned white, and Miss Watson’s face reddened.

“How can this be?” Wellesley muttered.

Trevor shrugged. “Apparently, Louisa was kidnapped by a man named Mr. Percy Featherspoon.”

A different set of gasps exploded, this time sounding accusing. Both the Danvers and Frank pinned their glares at Eliza.

“That is your uncle,” Wellesley exclaimed.

The little deceiver must have gained control of her emotions as Eliza feigned a surprised expression toward Trevor. “You must be insane. My uncle kidnapped my dearest friend?” She switched her focus to the Danverses and her fiancé. “My family knew Uncle Featherspoon was unethical at times and a swindler, but we had no idea he was kidnapping children.”

The earl jumped to his feet. “Your Grace, you must take us to Louisa at once. We want to know what happened… We want to know if she is all right.”

“Therein lies the problem,” Hawthorne said, then met Trevor’s eyes.

Trevor nodded. “Lord and Lady Danvers, early this morning Louisa was arrested for murdering the very man who she worked for—the man who taught her to steal and made her live like a vagabond for six years.”

“Augh,” Lady Danvers groaned as her face turned whiter.

Miss Watson tried to appear helpful as she rushed to the older woman’s side and fanned her face.

“However,” Trevor continued, “I know she is innocent.”

“As do I.” Trey stood.

“And I.” Tristan nodded and rose by his brother.

“And I know she’s not guilty, as well,” Dominic acknowledged.

“For this very reason,” Trevor continued, “I am here at your home now, Lord Danvers. Your daughter might be hanged for something she didn’t do. I need your help. I will take you to see her tonight, if you wish.”

“But what if she is not who she says?” Miss Watson lifted her voice above the others. “How do you know this woman is not an imposter?”

As Trevor prepared his reply, his brothers and Dominic chuckled.

“Miss Watson,” Tristan began, “all you have to do is look at Louisa to know she is her mother’s daughter.”

“If you knew her as we do,” Trey added, “you would know Louisa is incapable of deceit.”

“But you said she’d lived as a thief for six years. Good heavens, she was under the care of the notorious criminal, Mr. Macgregor. Knowing that tells me not to trust this woman.”

“Tell me, Miss Watson,” Dominic said, walking closer as he looked at her with a critical eye, “where did you hear such a thing? You were not privy to the conversation we had a moment ago before you arrived, which means you could not have possibly heard what we said. And the other evening while at the dowager duchess’s home when the duke spoke about Louisa, he not once mentioned Macgregor’s name.” He scratched his chin. “So now I’m curious to how you know about this man.”

Excitement shot through Trevor, and he could have hugged Hawthorne if it were proper. Instead, he gave his brother’s friend a nod of approval and glared at Miss Watson. “Lord Hawthorne is correct. I am also anxious to hear how you know about this Macgregor fellow.”

The young woman’s eyes widened as they darted from person to person around the room, her face losing color by the second. She forced a laugh. “I must have heard it somewhere. Why else would I know?” She shrugged. “Perhaps I heard my uncle speak of this vile man.”

“That does not make any sense, either, Miss Watson.” Trey stepped closer. “At my mother’s dinner party, you clearly stated your family had not spoken to your uncle in years.”

The Earl of Danvers waved his hands through the air. “Please forgive me, but can we discuss this at a later time? If my daughter is in the gaol, I want to get her released immediately.”

“Do you know how?” Trevor asked quickly.

The earl gave him a sharp nod. “Magistrate Templeton is a cousin. We know each other well. He’ll listen to me and help, I assure you.”

Trevor swept his hand, motioning toward the door. “Come then. Let’s be on our way. There isn’t a moment to lose.”

Lord Danvers marched to the foyer and barked orders to the servants. Within seconds, the cloaks were fetched while the vehicle was being prepared. Miss Watson scurried from one person to another, muttering lies about her not knowing about Featherspoon’s activities. From what Trevor could tell, her desperate pleas were being ignored by the Danverses and Frank.

Once they were all ready, Trevor, his brothers and Hawthorne walked to the front door—being held open by the butler—and hurried to their horses while the others made their way to the carriage. Before anyone could climb in, a squeaky voice called out in the night.

“Miss Watson.”

Everyone stopped and looked at the vagabond rushing to Eliza’s side. The young woman gasped, and pushed the boy away.

“Leave me, you vermin.”

“Miss Watson, it’s me, David. Don’t ye remember? I’m the one who helped ye the other night.”

“You… have the wrong… person,” she stammered as she tried to urge the Danverses and Wellesley into the coach.

Trevor left his horse and came closer to the lad. “You. Boy. What business do you have with Miss Watson?”

David faced Trevor and lowered his gaze to his worn, brown shoes. “Sir, I need to talk to her. She promised me money for helping her the other night, and I came to collect.”