Chapter One #2
James’s mouth twisted in a bitter smile. “Stop you from finally getting the chance to clear Papa’s name? To prove what we’ve always known?” He shook his head. “I’ve watched you carry this burden for twelve years. I’ve seen how it eats at you, knowing the truth and being powerless to act on it.”
“Then you understand why I have to try.”
“I do. But that doesn’t mean I’m not terrified.” James’s voice roughened. “Wentworth destroyed Papa. He could destroy you too if he discovers what you’re really doing there.”
“He won’t. I’ll be just another servant to him. Invisible.”
“See that you stay that way.” James gripped Sebastian’s forearm. “Get the evidence we need, but don’t take unnecessary risks. We’ve lost enough already.”
Sebastian nodded, already running through the possibilities in his mind. After twelve years of waiting, of planning, of carrying the weight of Papa’s memory, finally he had his chance.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll ride out to Wentworth Manor and apply for the position.”
“And I’ll be here, keeping things running, waiting for word from you.” James’s eyes were fierce with the same protective instinct that had once driven him to defend weaker boys at school. “Just come back to me, Sebastian. Come back with the truth, but come back alive.”
Sebastian felt the weight of his brother’s faith, his trust, his shared need for justice. “I will. I promise.”
Viscount Wentworth had no idea what was coming for him.
But he would learn.
Soon.
*
The barmaids had nearly finished washing up the tables and were now asking for their pay, so Sebastian excused himself to take care of them.
Sebastian paid the women and sent them on their way. “You’re walking together, isn’t that right? There are all kinds of riffraff on the streets this time of night.”
They agreed, giving him cheeky grins and promising to return tomorrow evening. He walked with them to the door, planning on locking it behind them so he could start closing up. Besides one last poker table, the tavern had emptied out.
He’d just seen off the barmaids when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a dark figure approaching. Someone slight. Definitely female. Limping? She wore a cloak with a hood that covered her face. When she stepped into the light shed from the streetlamp, she pulled back her hood.
He gasped. It was his sister.
“Sophia? Is it you?” He blinked, sure his eyes were playing tricks on him. But no, it was Sophia. His darling sister. There was no mistaking her fair, heart-shaped face and golden hair and those big blue eyes that had captured his heart the moment she was born.
“Sebastian, thank God I found the right place.”
They rushed toward each other, embracing tightly. “What in the world are you doing here?” He glanced around, eyeing a gang of rough-looking men across the street. “Never mind. Let’s go inside.” He rushed her through the door and locked it behind them.
“Sophia? I cannot believe it’s you.” He held her at arm’s length, taking in every detail.
He’d not seen her in three years and had hoped to make a trip to Bristol where she’d been working, but hadn’t yet had the opportunity.
She was as pretty as ever, but a dark bruise under her left eye looked fresh.
Her eyes were red and swollen, as if she’d been crying for hours.
“I’ve had to leave my position.” Sophia’s eyes filled with tears. He reached into his pocket for a handkerchief and handed it to her. She dabbed at her eyes, then slumped against him. “I’ve not eaten since yesterday. Do you have any scraps left in the kitchen?”
There was obviously more to the story, but she seemed too weak to tell him now. “Yes. Come sit. I’ll get you something warm to drink and eat.” He led her over to a table in the corner.
“Stay here. I’ll find you something from the kitchen,” Sebastian said.
“Where’s James?” Sophia asked, unbuttoning her cloak. “I’m dying to see him.”
“He’s back in the poker room. I’m sure he’ll be out in a minute.”
Sebastian hustled into the kitchen. The cook had put everything away for the night, but he managed to find a loaf of bread, a few slices of ham, and some butter. Upon his return, he found Sophia sitting with her face in her hands. She looked up at him, giving him a thin smile.
“Here, eat. Then you can tell me what’s happened. Do you want a sherry or whiskey? Ale?”
“An ale would be nice, thank you,” Sophia said, already tearing off a chunk of bread.
He went behind the bar to pour a pint and returned just as the poker game broke up. A half dozen disgruntled men filed out of the back room and headed toward the front entrance. James came out last, quickly moving to unlock the door and bid them all goodnight.
“Someone’s going to shoot you one of these days,” one of them growled on his way out.
“Now then, don’t be such a sore loser,” James said, shutting and locking the door behind them.
James turned slowly and then stopped, paling at the sight of their sister sitting there. “Sophia? Is it you?”
“Yes, James, it is me.” Sophia stood, holding out her arms.
James rushed over to hug her, pulling her off her feet and holding her tight before setting her down and searching her face. “You’ve been hurt?”
She briefly touched the bruise on her cheek. “Yes. I’ve had some difficulties. I’ve lost my position.”
“How did you know where to find us?”
“It’s a long story,” Sophia said.
“Sit and eat. Then tell us everything.” James held Sophia’s chair for her, then took a seat himself. Sebastian joined them at the table.
“What has brought you to us?” James asked. “Something’s happened.”
Sophia blushed and her eyes filled with fresh tears. “It’s mortifying to have to tell you. The man I was working for… he assaulted me.”
Sebastian’s fists immediately clenched. “What did he do?”
“I ran away before he could do much harm,” Sophia said hastily. “But he managed to bruise me pretty badly. He underestimated my strength, however. All those years working at the Langstons made me strong. We have them to thank for that, I suppose.”
“You ran away and came here, then?” James asked, his voice low and dangerous.
“Yes. He was drunk and pulled me into his study when I was on my way up to bed. We fought, and I managed to get away. Perhaps I did some damage to his manhood with the heel of my boot.” She smiled wickedly, even as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
“It wasn’t the first time he’d tried, but I couldn’t stay any longer.
I thought maybe I could live here with you and find work as a governess somewhere in Brighton. ”
“Of course you can stay with us,” James said immediately. “We’ll figure out the sleeping arrangements. The apartment’s not large, but we’ll make it work.”
“I hate to put you out,” Sophia said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re our sister,” Sebastian said. “We only have one another.”
“I feel better already, being here with you.” Sophia wiped her eyes. “I’m so very weary of it all. All this trying and trying and trying.”
Sebastian reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “You’re safe now. That’s what matters.”
“Actually,” Sophia said, sitting up a bit straighter, “I may have already found a new position. On my way here, I stopped at an inn in Arundel for the night. The innkeeper mentioned that a gentleman there was desperately seeking a governess. His sister and brother-in-law were killed in a carriage accident, and he’s been left guardian to their two-year-old daughter. ”
“You spoke with him?” Sebastian asked.
“Briefly. He seemed quite decent—overwhelmed, really. The poor man has no idea how to care for a small child, and his housekeeper is too old to manage a toddler. He offered me the position on the spot when he learned of my experience.” Sophia managed a small smile.
“It would mean leaving Brighton again, but the wages are generous, and he seemed genuinely kind.”
“Where is his estate?” James asked.
“Rosemere Hall, near the coast. It’s not too far from here, so I could visit more often.”
Sebastian felt a surge of relief. His sister would be safe, well-paid, and close enough that they could see each other regularly. “That sounds ideal. When would you start?”
“He’s returning to Rosemere tomorrow. I’m to follow in a few days, once I’ve had time to rest and gather myself.” She looked between her brothers. “Is it all right if I stay here until then?”
“As long as you need,” James said firmly. “And if this man gives you any trouble, any at all, you come straight back to us.”
“I will.” Sophia reached for both their hands. “I’ve missed you both so much. I know we’ve all had to make our own way in the world, but being apart from you… it’s been the hardest part of everything we’ve endured.”
Sebastian squeezed her hand, then exchanged a meaningful look with James. His brother nodded slightly.
“Sophia,” Sebastian said carefully, “there’s something else. Something important we need to tell you about Papa.”
She looked up sharply, her blue eyes widening. “What do you mean?”
“We’ve found our chance,” James said quietly. “The chance we’ve been waiting for all these years.”
“To prove Papa’s innocence?” Sophia’s voice was barely a whisper.
Sebastian nodded. “Wentworth is looking for a gardener. And he’s throwing a masquerade ball in three weeks. The first one since he murdered Lady Wentworth.”
Sophia went very still. For a moment, she looked exactly as she had at eight years old, standing in the shadow of Newgate Prison with tears streaming down her face.
Then something hardened in her expression—the same steel that had helped her survive the Langstons, that had given her the strength to fight off her attacker.
“You’re going to work for him.” It wasn’t a question.
“I am. I’ll get inside his house, learn his habits, find evidence of what he really did.” Sebastian leaned forward. “Sophia, this could be it. This could be how we finally clear Papa’s name.”
Tears spilled down Sophia’s cheeks, but she was smiling. “After all these years, do you think we might finally get justice?”
“I can only try my best,” Sebastian said. “Like Papa taught us.”
“What do you need from me?” Sophia asked.
“Just be safe,” Sebastian said. “Stay close enough that we can reach you if needed, but far enough away that you won’t be connected to whatever happens.”
“This gentleman you’re going to work for, what’s his name?” James asked.
“Henry Montrose. Why?”
Sebastian and James exchanged another look. The timing was almost too perfect. Sophia would be safely settled with a new employer just as Sebastian began the most dangerous mission of his life.
“Just curious,” Sebastian said. “It sounds like a good situation for you.”
Sophia studied their faces. “You really believe we can bring him down?”
“I have to believe it,” Sebastian said simply. “Papa deserves justice. We all do.”
“Then Godspeed, brother.” Sophia squeezed both their hands tightly. “Bring that monster to his knees.”
“We’re family,” Sebastian said, looking at both his siblings. “That will never change, no matter where life takes us. And soon, God willing, we’ll have our name back.”