Chapter Nineteen
Camilla took a deep breath and steadied her shaky limbs. Pretend you are Kat. It shouldn’t be that hard. After all, she had started to portray her sister when she first arrived in Dorchester. But this time was different.
To play the part of her sister, she donned one of Kat’s immodest dresses. And heaven help her, she would flirt like she had never done before. The plan must work. Both Broderick and Malcolm’s lives were at stake.
Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders and walked across the street toward the jail. Wilkes stood outside with four other soldiers. When he spotted her, he moved away from the men and strode toward her, his smile stretching more with each step. She swallowed the lump of fear in her throat and breathed slowly.
“Good day, my dear Mrs. Worthington.” Captain Wilkes stopped in front of her and picked up her hand, running his lips over her wrist. When he met her gaze, his eyes darkened.
I am Kat,Camilla reminded herself, and smiled. “Good day to you, you handsome devil.”
He grinned and took a step closer to her. “Have you missed me, my sweet?”
“Always.” She batted her eyelashes and gave him a pout. “And I cannot go another day without you.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “How do you suggest we solve that problem?”
She glanced around to see if they were out of the others’ earshot. Thankfully, they were, but she lowered her voice nonetheless. “I will meet you tonight, in the jail.”
“In the jail? But why?”
“Shh.” She placed her fingers over his mouth. “We must not be heard.” She grinned. “I have never been there, and… well, I have many wild ideas of what we can accomplish together in such a wicked place.” She nearly gagged on the words, and she prayed she didn’t have to touch him too much tonight. She wasn’t that good of a performer.
His chest shook with silent laughter. Bringing her hand back up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles again. She shuddered inwardly.
“But you must know there is a prisoner who will see us,” he said.
“Let him watch.” She chuckled. “He might learn a thing or two.”
The captain’s eyes turned dark. “Are you certain?”
“Very.”
“What time should we meet?”
“Late.” While pretending to think about this, she pursed her lips. “How about midnight?”
“You are a naughty woman, but I love your idea.”
“And we must celebrate, so bring lots of spirits.”
“Oh, I will. I have been celebrating the capture of Broderick Turner for quite a while, so I foresee no problem.”
“Good. Then I expect to see you tonight. Alone. And make certain to bring plenty of rope.”
“Rope?” he asked with a laugh.
She nodded. “I want to try something new.” Giving him a wink, she turned and walked away.
His husky laugh vibrated the air around her, sending chills down her spine. Was she strong enough to go through with this? She had to be. There was no other way.
Keeping her back firm, she crossed the street and walked into the nearest store before releasing her pent-up breath. She gathered the cloak tighter around her neck, so as not to show anyone else her immodest gown. She glanced out the window. Thank goodness Captain Wilkes had returned to his men.
And thank heavens Malcolm had kept up his end of the plan. He’d made arrangements with Mr. Percy, who usually sold his homemade liquor to the soldiers, to make certain this batch was extra potent for tonight. The good man had delivered the bottles earlier this afternoon, and from what she could see, the soldiers were already starting their night of pleasure.
From behind her, a man cleared his throat. She spun around to see one of the servants who had been at the house this morning. She was grateful that Malcolm had kept his word and kept all eyes on her to make sure she was safe.
He smiled and nodded. “Good day, Mrs. Worthington. Are you enjoying this fine weather?”
“But of course, Mr. Tolland.” She smiled. “How is your wife?”
“She is doing well.”
“Is she still suffering from headaches?”
“Only occasionally now.”
“Give her my regards.”
“Will do, Mrs. Worthington.” He nodded before leaving the shop.
She hurried out of the store and to her buggy. There was much to do before tonight’s entertainment, and she had to make certain every detail had been thought out. She couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. She also wanted Malcolm’s strong arms around her to feel the security in his embrace.
She smiled. With his love, nothing could go awry. Nothing at all.
*
Camilla blew onher cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him toward the back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.
She reassured herself everything would turn out as planned. She had nothing to fear. Malcolm would make certain of that.
After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Captain Wilkes sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.
Forcing her legs to move, she hurried around to the front. One soldier sat in front of the door, slumped against the building, asleep. The other soldiers were far enough away that she could slip through without being caught.
She held her breath and inched closer. Her hand touched the doorknob, and she pushed. The hinges squeaked, and thankfully, the men didn’t turn to look.
Once inside, she closed the door. Captain Wilkes jumped from his chair, grinning. She scanned the surroundings and breathed a sigh of relief. He had indeed followed her instructions. From the corner cell of the room, Broderick rose from the cot and moved to the bars, his eyes widening.
She focused on the captain. A half-empty bottle of spirits sat on the table. She smiled. “Good evening, my darling man,” she whispered.
“Take off your cloak.”
As she unhooked the outerwear, she tried to steady her hands. The garment fell to the floor. The captain’s quick intake of breath told her that he approved of her choice of dress. It had taken three servants to alter one of Kat’s old gowns to make it more alluring, more scandalous than before.
Wilkes’s mouth hung agape. From the corner cell, Broderick groaned, resting his head against the bars. Her heart wrenched for this man and what he must be thinking of her.
“Woman, you are beautiful.” Wilkes’s gaze was riveted to her. “Come here.”
She swallowed hard and took her first step toward him, and with each step, her heart hammered faster. By the time she stood in front of him, her chest heaved so hard from fear that she thought she would lose the contents of her stomach. When he reached out, she held her breath, willing herself to remain strong. He grasped a lock of hair and caressed it, then let his fingers slide down the strands.
“You are very lovely tonight, my dear.”
She forced a laugh. “Thank you.” She let an uneasy breath out. “But I think I need a drink. Are you going to share that bottle or hoard it all night?”
He dropped his hand from her hair and grabbed the bottle instead, bringing it up to his lips. He gulped back a good amount before handing it over to her. She took it, brought it to her mouth, and tipped it back. She pretended to swallow, but kept her lips firmly pressed together so nothing would enter her mouth. She hoped the captain couldn’t tell the difference with the room’s dim lighting.
She glanced at Broderick, who frowned and shook his head. “Why are you doing this? I thought you loved Malcolm.”
Pain gripped her heart, and she wanted to tell him the truth. But now was not the time. He would understand soon.
“Shut up, Turner,” the captain snapped. “Just watch and learn.”
After placing the bottle on the table, she stepped closer to Wilkes. “Are you ready for what I have planned?”
He nodded. As he reached for her, he swayed. She prayed he would lose consciousness soon.
Her wish was granted, because just as he gave her a lazy grin, he crumpled to the floor.
She let out a deep sigh. “Oh, thank the Lord.” She looked back at Broderick. “Do you honestly think I would betray Malcolm? I love him completely.”
Broderick nodded and smiled. “Thank you, Camilla.”
She knelt beside the captain and grabbed the set of keys from off his belt then threw them to Broderick. “While you find the right key to get out, I shall remove his clothes. You will need to dress in them so we can walk out of the jail together. The other soldiers won’t realize you are their prisoner that way.”
“I can certainly do that.” He jiggled each key in the lock, but nothing was opening the cell. He growled. “I cannot find the right key.”
Behind Camilla, a shrill laugh echoed through the room. Chills of fear shot through her. She spun around just as the figure of a cloaked woman walked out from the shadows.
“Sadly, you will never find the right key.” The other woman held up the brass object in her hand. “Sorry, but your rescue plan just failed, Camilla. There is nothing you can do to save Malcolm’s friend.”
Camilla gasped, and her cold, shaky hands flew to her mouth.
That voice. It sounds like… But it can’t be.
“Who are you?”
The woman’s shriek of laughter made Camilla’s stomach churn. Dear Lord, no!
She drew closer and yanked Camilla to her feet. “Who am I? I’m the woman in charge now, and I’m the one who will destroy yours and Mr. Worthington’s dreams.” She raised the bottle Wilkes had been drinking and slashed it through the air and down on Camilla’s head.
Pain pierced her skull, and her world turned dark brown.
*
Malcolm sat forwardand focused out the carriage window, waiting for his wife and Broderick to exit the jail. The silvery full moon gave him plenty of light to keep a close eye on the soldiers from down the street, and thankfully, most of them had passed out minutes ago. Any time now, Camilla and his friend would leave the jail. There was no room for their plans to go awry.
Then why did his gut clench as if something had gone seriously wrong? He wiped the moisture from his palms against his legs. His heart hammered, and all he heard was the pounding in his head. What if Camilla screamed and he couldn’t hear?
Growling, he slid off the seat, pushed open the door, and jumped out of the carriage. The driver’s head snapped his way, and he leaned forward as if ready to spring into action. Malcolm held up his hand and stopped him. “No need to fear, Timothy. I’m merely a little anxious.”
Timothy nodded. “I’m nervous meself.”
“Have you heard anything?”
The older man shook his head. “Not a sound, sir.”
Malcolm released a frustrated breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “Do you think everything is all right?”
“Aye, sir. If I know the mistress, she’ll get the task done.”
“Yes, but I still cannot help but worry about her.” Malcolm flexed his hands as he paced the length of the carriage. He looked toward the jail every chance he could. What was taking them so long?
A shadow drew his attention. He stopped and narrowed his eyes at the movement by the door. When the figure of a cloaked woman hurried outside, he sighed and relaxed his hands. But where was Broderick? Something terrible must have happened.
He hurried inside the carriage and waited for his wife to join him. When the door opened, he took her hand and helped her in.
“Where is Broderick?”
She sat across from him and lowered her hood. Her eyes were wide as she shook her head. “Everything proceeded as planned.” She wrung her hands against her stomach. “Captain Wilkes became intoxicated and passed out.” She sniffled. The moon’s glare through the window showed tears in her eyes. “But we couldn’t find the key to Broderick’s cell. When one of the other soldiers came in, I knew there was nothing more I could do.” She shrugged. “I hurried and left before they suspected my true purpose of being there.”
Malcolm balled his hands and hit the seat. It wasn’t Camilla’s fault, yet the plan should have worked. “Did the soldier say anything?”
“Thankfully, Captain Wilkes was mostly undressed, so I pretended to act intoxicated also. The soldier didn’t have to ask what was going on. He knew.” She moved next to him on the seat and touched his hand. “But now what will we do?”
His chest tightening, he raked his fingers through his hair. Time was running out. The magistrate had scheduled Broderick’s trial for two days hence. Malcolm was certain Wilkes would see Broderick hanged just for trespassing.
“I will think of something, my love.” He caressed her cheek. “I appreciate your willingness to help. You have been very supportive, and I love you for it.”
“I wish I could do more.”
He took her in his arms. She rested her head against his chest, and he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent. But she didn’t smell the same. Of course, alcohol overpowered any other smell about her, but there was also something different. Yet he couldn’t pinpoint what it was.
Silence stretched through the carriage during the ride home. He racked his brain for ideas, but every one of them had a flaw. Whatever they did to break Broderick out of jail, they would have to cover their tracks. Malcolm truly couldn’t afford to get arrested. Not when he had his wife and children to think about.
Camilla’s silence bothered him. It wasn’t her fault the plan hadn’t worked. No doubt she blamed herself. He would have to ease her worries. But how could he do that when he feared for his friend’s life?
Timothy pulled the vehicle to a stop in front of the house. Camilla moved to leave, but Malcolm grasped her arm. She swung her head and looked at him.
“My darling, it’s not your fault. Please don’t blame yourself for tonight’s mishap. I shall find a way to release Broderick, I promise.”
“I know you will.”
Timothy opened the door and helped Camilla down. Malcolm climbed out behind her.
“Thank you, Timothy.”
The older servant’s wide eyes followed Camilla. Unease pricked up Malcolm’s spine. Why was he looking at her that way?
“Timothy? Is something amiss?”
The man blinked and shook his head. “No, Mr. Worthington. Nothing. It is just that… Well, Mrs. Worthington seems out of sorts this evening.”
“That she is. Rest assured, I will take care of the problem.”
Timothy nodded, and then turned and climbed back to the top of the carriage.
Malcolm hurried inside. Camilla stood next to Beth as she shrugged out of her cloak. The maid bobbed once before turning and leaving the room. He ran his gaze over the very provocative dress his wife had altered for tonight’s purpose. Although sensual, she looked too much like Kat at this moment. That bothered him.
She turned and caught his stare. A smile stretched across her face, and she hooked her hand around his elbow and pressed against his arm. “Shall we retire for bed?”
“Yes.” He kissed her forehead. “Why don’t you go on ahead? I shall be up momentarily. There is too much on my mind right now to sleep.”
She giggled. “Who said anything about sleep?”
“No, my dear. Not tonight. I need to think of a way to release Broderick.”
She huffed and folded her arms across her bosom. He narrowed his eyes as a slight throb began in his forehead. Why was she acting in this manner? She should be as upset as he right now, so why did she act like nothing had gone wrong this evening?
He stroked her cheek. “I promise not to stay up too late.”
“I shall wait for you.” She closed the space between them and linked her arms around his neck. “I will need you to keep me warm tonight.” She stood on her toes and placed her mouth over his. The kiss wasn’t the same as when he had kissed her before. Perhaps it was because Mr. Percy’s homemade brew stained her lips.
He broke the kiss and pulled back. Through her half-closed eyes, he detected a glaze. “Camilla, I thought you were not going to drink with the captain tonight.”
She shrugged. “I had to act my part. Captain Wilkes wouldn’t believe me any other way.”
He nodded and kissed her forehead. “Go to bed and sleep it off, my love. Have Beth help you to bed.” He chuckled. “I fear you will have a headache in the morning.”
She pouted and turned away, stomping up the stairs.
Strange behavior for certain, but then, he’d never seen Camilla intoxicated before.