Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-One
London three days later
Benedict had arrived at Kenworth House in London too late to go see his friend Thomas Harrison at his office at the War Department. While Harrison normally didn’t get involved in things such as this, he did owe him a few favors. Benedict had assisted Davenport with a few of his spy missions and on occasion had allowed both Davenport and Harrison to use the Devil’s Lair as a meeting place to discuss assignments.
He had not slept well since leaving Sofie behind in Brighton and since the hurt and dejected look on her face was the only thing he saw when he closed his eyes, he saw no reason to linger. He dressed early, skipped the small breakfast that had been prepared for him, and made his way to Harrison’s office.
The streets of London were just beginning to come to life at this hour and the carriage had little trouble maneuvering through the streets. When it came to a stop outside the offices near the parliament building, he stepped out and quickly made his way up the stone steps. He knew exactly where Harrison would be and did not offer to stop when Harrison’s secretary, Mr. Brown, tried to bar him from entering the headquarters.
Harrison must have grown used to people bursting into his office, he didn’t even look surprised. “Your grace, isn’t this a bit early for you?”
He nodded toward Mr. Brown whose scowl seemed to be permanently fixed to his face and the short little man retreated and closed the door on his way out.
Kingston stepped forward removing his hat and taking a seat before his friend. “I am calling in a favor, Harrison.”
Thomas Harrison removed his spectacles and leaned back in his chair. “I was expecting that. From what I hear, someone is trying to put you into an early grave.”
Kingston shook his head slightly, his brow wrinkling in confusion. “How do you always seem to know everything that is happening in London?”
Harrison’s lips turned up in a small grin. “I make it my business to know everything that concerns me or King and country. You are a close confidant of the regent, which makes you, my business.”
Kingston didn’t have the time or inclination to delve into Harrison’s reasons. “What do you know?”
Harrison stood from his seat and moved to the opposite side of the room where he poured two glasses of brandy. He handed Benedict a glass. “I know that after you left London with your new bride, a man went to the Lair searching for you. Sam didn’t recognize him and instantly got the feeling that something wasn’t right. He sent me a note that night but by the time I could get to the Lair, the man had disappeared. I also know that your wife’s brother left London a few days after you. I have men searching for him now but surprisingly they have had no luck with their search.”
“Pettigrew is a young fool. Do you really think he is the one behind this?”
Harrison took a sip of his brandy and returned to his seat. “I do not think young Pettigrew is smart enough to plot against you. However, I do think he could be a patsy, a pawn used for others’ benefit.”
Benedict’s frown intensified. “I want names, Harrison. Do you have any idea who is involved?”
“Not yet, but I feel we are very close to knowing who the mastermind behind this is. If you would like, I can have extra men stationed around your London residence for protection.”
Benedict set his untouched glass of brandy back on Harrison’s desk. “I don’t need the protection. I hope they come for me.”
“What of your wife?”
Kingston’s heart twisted in his chest. “She is not with me. I left her behind in Brighton.”
Harrison sat up a bit straighter, his expression turning more serious. “You left her? Are you not concerned with her safety?”
“Damn it, her safety is why I left her! All the incidents that have occurred so far could be written off as tragic accidents. No one has had the ballocks to confront me face to face. I was afraid that if Sophie was with me when they tried again, she would be hurt or worse.”
Harrison sighed heavily. “I know it is sometimes hard to do the things necessary to keep those we love safe. If you would like, I can send men to watch her, from a distance of course so she doesn’t become suspicious.”
Kingston nodded in agreement. “I have left her in the care of Avanley, but she is free to go and do as she pleases. I am not sure how long she will remain in Brighton.”
“Very well, I will send word if anything comes to my attention.”
Kingston stood and walked toward the door. “I will go to the Lair and speak with Sam. I am surprised he did not write to me to let me know of his suspicions.” He paused as his hand reached for the doorknob. “My uncle’s butler at the residence in Brighton did some research into the family tree and gave me two names of distant cousins that would inherit should something happen to me. Frederick Milhouse in Cornwall and Sebastian Bradford. Bradford is my heir apparent and at this time he is believed to be out of the country.”
Harrison immediately wrote down the names. “I will see what I can discover about both of them.”
“Thank you, Harrison.” Kingston left Harrison’s office not feeling any better about the situation. Now it was time to return to the Lair. Hopefully, the familiarity of the gaming hell he had built would give him some measure of peace. As he made his way back to his carriage, he couldn’t shake the feeling of loss that seemed to consume him. He missed her, he wanted her with him, he wanted to feel her lying next to him but until it was safe for her, this was how it would have to be. He could only hope that Harrison would find out something soon so they could put this behind them.
Brighton Six Weeks Later
Sophie finished the final touches to her hair. She was to take a carriage ride this afternoon with Lord Warrick and afterward have dinner with Bella and Charles. They had extended their time in Brighton because of her, but after finally convincing Bella that she was fully recovered and capable of taking care of herself, they had finally relented and decided to journey on to their country estate Avanley Hall. They would be leaving in the morning and had invited her to dine with them before leaving. Sophie had promised to visit once she decided to leave Brighton.
After Benedict made his declaration that they should abide by the terms of their original agreement and part ways, she had very nearly fallen to pieces. It had taken her nearly a week before she ventured from her rooms. Bella had cried with her and been there through the worst of it. She would be forever grateful for her dear friend’s support.
After a week of wallowing in a sorrow she had never felt before, she decided it was time to live again. After all, this was what she had agreed to. The fact that she had foolishly fallen in love with her husband was a mistake she would have to live with. Her heart still ached for him, but she was learning to live with the emptiness.
She had ventured out and enjoyed a few of the gatherings the prince had planned with Bella and Charles and of course, Lord Warrick had been more than kind to her. He had sent flowers hoping to cheer her up and seemed to be genuinely concerned for her. Today she had finally accepted his offer to take her for a ride through the countryside. Bella had cautioned her to be careful and while she understood her friend’s concern, she felt that if Benedict did not wish for her to abide by their agreement, he wouldn’t have left her.
She grabbed her bonnet and her gloves before heading downstairs to wait in the drawing room. As she neared the landing, she saw Bella was waiting for her.
“Bella, is everything alright?” She hurried down to meet her friend.
Bella smiled sweetly. “I just thought I would come by to check on you this morning.”
Sophie lowered her eyes. “You mean that you want to know if I am still crying myself to sleep every night and if I am finally able to keep my food down? Or if I still keep glancing out every window hoping I will see him walking toward me, or if I still jump at the sound of a door opening only to have my heart drop when I realize it isn’t him.” She took a deep breath. “I still do all those things, Bella. I still feel broken, but I will never get out of this darkness if I don’t force myself to go out into the light.”
Bella wiped a tear from her eye. “I know, but it has only been a little over a month, Sophie. It took Charles much longer to realize his mistakes. I just don’t want you to do something you will come to regret later.”
Sophie leaned forward and kissed her friend on the cheek. “This is about me finally accepting Lord Warrick’s invitation to go out driving, isn’t it?”
Bella’s cheeks flamed and she looked away. “I do believe the man is in love with you, Sophie, and while he is a fine gentleman, I still fear that your heart is vulnerable.”
Sophie gave her friend a small smile. “Lord Warrick has been very kind to me, Bella. I think you misjudge his intentions.”
Her friend sighed heavily. “Very well, I will say no more about it. Enjoy your outing and I will see you tonight for dinner.”
Sophie took her friend’s hand. “I will come visit you at Avanley Hall soon, Bella. You have been a dear friend to me. Please don’t worry. Benedict wanted this for me. He wanted me to be free to live a life on my own, and I have no room to be upset with him. I agreed to the arrangement.”
Bella rolled her eyes slightly as she headed for the door. “Make certain you take your parasol; the sun is bright today, and I’m sure Warrick will collect you in his barouche.”
Sophie grinned. “I will see you tonight.”
Avanley residence
Bella walked into the house and handed her cloak to the footman standing in attendance at the front door. Charles walked out of the dining room and moved toward her. He leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek.
“Where have you been off to so early this morning, my love?”
Bella wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up lovely at her husband. “I went to see Sophie. She is putting on a brave front, but I am worried about her. Today she accepted Warrick’s invitation to go riding in his carriage.” She watched her husband’s frown darken. “I wish she would travel with us to Avanley Hall. I don’t feel good about leaving her here alone.”
“She is not alone, Bella. She has an entire staff to watch out for her, and while I wish things were different, we can’t force her to come with us.”
Bella nodded her head in agreement. “I know, that is why you are going to London tomorrow.”
Charles held his wife at arm’s length. “London? I’m not going to London. We are leaving in the morning for Avanley Hall.”
“We will postpone the trip.”
Charles sighed heavily. “Bella there are things you don’t know, there are reasons behind Kingston’s decision.”
Bella once again moved to wrap her arms around his waist. “Don’t you think I know that? I know when you are keeping things from me, Charles.”
“I will not allow you to travel to Avanley Hall without me, and I refuse to leave you alone.”
Bella stepped out of his arms. “You just explained to me that it was perfectly alright for Sophie to stay here in Brighton alone. She has a staff to see to her. Well, I have an army of servants as well here to protect me. I will be fine until you get back.”
She saw her husband’s deep frown. “Charles, do you remember when I left London thinking you wanted an annulment?”
Charles stepped toward her taking both of her hands in his before raising each to his lips. “Darling, I don’t even want to be reminded of that time.”
“I know it was horrible, but don’t you see. I know a little of how Sophie is feeling. I remember crying myself to sleep at night and watching through windows hoping to see you. The only difference is that you came for me, and Benedict has not. I think he needs some encouragement and perhaps some assistance.”
Charles looked down into the face of his loving wife and knew he had lost the battle. “Very well, I will go to London, but you are to stay here. I will hire additional security for the house to ensure you and the children’s safety. But know this, I do not like leaving you, Bella.”
She raised up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I will keep watch from the windows waiting for your return, my love.”
Charles whisked her into his arms and headed up the stairs. “If I am to be away from you for several days, I intend on getting my fill before I leave. So, I hope you have no plans for the day.”
Bella grinned. “Must I remind you that we are to have dinner guests tonight? I hope you have reached your fill by then.”
Charles kicked the door open to his bedchamber. “We will see, if not they can eat without us.”
A Few Days Later in London
Benedict walked into his apartments at The Devil’s Lair after another visit to Thomas Harrison’s office. Harrison was able to give him some news but not enough. He hoped to hear something from the Bow Street Runners he had hired sometime this week. It had been almost two months since he left Sophie, and the more he was away from her, the more desperate he felt.
There had been no more attempts on his life, which he supposed was a good thing. Harrison felt that whoever had tried to kill him was most likely feeling the pressure of their investigation and had gone into hiding. That was not the news he had wanted to receive. He wanted to find the person and kill them. That was the only way he could return to his life.
He had not stayed at Kenworth House since the night of his return. It made him think of Sophie, and he didn’t want the servants there making speculations or asking questions he couldn’t answer. He had stayed at his apartments at The Lair and while it had one time been the only place he called home, now it felt different. His whole life felt different as if he were missing a piece of him. He walked toward his bedroom, intending to spend another day drinking brandy and missing Sophie. When he opened the door, he was shocked to see Charles lying casually on his bed looking up at his ceiling.
“What the hell are you doing here? Where is Sophie? Is she…”
His friend grinned as he pointed toward the lewd painting over his bed. “I always did admire this artwork and often wondered if it increased your stamina in bed just looking at it.”
Benedict slammed the door and stepped further into the room. “Why are you here, Charles? I thought you and Bella would have already moved on to Avanley Hall by now.”
Charles stood from the bed, his expression changing to one of annoyance. “I would be at Avanley Hall right now if it were not for you. Bella would not leave Sophie alone in Brighton and sent me here in search of you.”
Benedict wasn’t sure if he wanted to know the answer to his next question. “How has Sophie been since I left?”
Charles walked over to the decanter of brandy sitting on the side table and poured himself a drink. “Outwardly she gives off the appearance of everything being fine, but I have it on strict authority from my wife that Sophie is only acting and that she is truly hurt by your actions.”
Benedict sighed heavily. “I did what I felt I must to keep her safe.”
“Well, never fear. Lord Warrick has taken a special interest in your wife and while she was reluctant at first to accept any of his offers to escort her about for carriage rides or other entertainments, she has since reversed that decision. The day before I left, Sophie did go out driving with Warrick. That’s why I’m here. Bella seems to think that you need help coming to terms with the fact that you should love your wife and return to her before someone steals her away from you forever.”
Benedict felt murderous. “I can’t return to her until I find the person trying to kill me! Damn Warrick!”
“If that is the case then I am here to aid in your search. The sooner we solve your problem, the sooner I can return to the loving arms of my wife.”
Benedict raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t know where else to look. Harrison discovered that my distant cousin Frederick Milhouse resides in Cornwall. He has not left Cornwall in years and from what Harrison’s men have ascertained, he is not even aware of our close relation. He has been ruled out as a suspect. Sophie’s brother has gone into hiding, and I am waiting to hear from the Bow Street Runner I hired, hopefully today. I have another relation that would inherit upon my demise, and he has not been found yet. It is rumored that he is in one of the colonies in the Caribbean but that has not been confirmed. Harrison believes Sophie’s brother is too stupid to act alone and perhaps he is being used as a pawn by someone else.” He began pacing the room. “Harrison hired additional men to watch over Sophie while I am here. She will know nothing about their presence. I should ask Harrison to make Warrick disappear.”
Charles drank the remainder of the brandy he had poured. “Since that is not going to happen, I suggest you stop moping about the Lair, and let’s make you more visible. The one way to draw out the killer is to make it easier for you to be killed.”
Benedict drew his brows together. “So, your suggestion, your idea of helping me, is to make myself easier to kill?”
Charles shrugged his shoulders. “Yes, actually I think it is. If they see you as being an easy mark perhaps it will draw them out.” He rolled his eyes at his friend’s dubious expression. “I’m not suggesting you send out invitations or that you take out an advertisement in The Times. I simply mean you should rejoin the living. Whoever is out to kill you might think you have given up on your search and make another move. If you stay hidden you will never find them, and then I will have a very angry wife to contend with, and you might lose yours forever.”
Benedict nodded. “Where do you suggest we begin?”
Charles’ smile grew. “First, you should make yourself presentable. You look as if you haven’t slept in days and the need for a bath and a shave is evident. You will not be permitted in the most exclusive clubs looking as you do now. Then we will go to Whites and perhaps start to visit our old haunts around town. The season may be over, but there are still enough people about town to make it entertaining.” He picked up the bottle of brandy and began walking toward the door. “And no more of this. Getting foxed will not solve your problems and from the way you look there has been more than enough of that.”
Benedict frowned knowing Charles had spoken the truth and even though he had at first been angry to see him, he was grateful for his help. He moved over to stand before the mirror. There were dark circles under his eyes, and he hadn’t shaved in a few days. And he had been drinking too much. He pulled his shirt over his head. Hopefully, today he would turn a corner and find something that would help in his search and bring him closer to finding the killer so he could return to Sophie.