Scoundrel (8 page)

Lily packed her trunk as quickly as possible. She sent a sleepy Gretchen off to her quarters to do the same. Less than half an hour later, two haggard-looking footmen carried her trunk down the stairway followed by Gretchen who toted her own bulging satchel. Remmington’s man, Digsby, still lingered in the foyer. The library door stood open and her father emerged at the sound of her arrival.

“Digsby reminded me that my carriage is missing at the moment. It will be almost impossible to find a hired hack at this time of night. Digsby feels certain the duke would insist that his driver see you safely to the Two Swans, and he graciously offered the use of Remmington’s coach in his employer’s stead. I told him you plan to stay with Great-aunt Amelia in West Wycombe until this dreadful business is over.” He gave her a meaningful look and her nod said she understood the lie. “I will let you know the moment we apprehend the villain. Until then, I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe with Aunt Amelia. Now let’s get you to the carriage. I don’t want you to miss the coach for West Wycombe.”

When she stepped outside, Lily noticed that her trunk was already loaded onto the back of the duke’s carriage. Digsby hurried forward to hold open the carriage door.

“My lady.” He executed another of his proper bows as he held open the carriage door. Lily wondered if Remmington hadn’t taken lessons from the man. They both executed the move flawlessly.

The driver was at their side in an instant to take Gretchen’s satchel. He was one of the earring wearers with the colorful bandanna. Not the most likely-looking driver, but Digsby was hardly a likely-looking butler, with his scars and wildly untamable hair. His rust-colored curls danced about in the evening breeze with a life of their own. But he was propriety itself as he handed Lily up into the carriage. Gretchen followed, then the earl filled the carriage’s open doorway. Their good-byes were hasty. She knew her father wanted her away from the house while there was hope that her attacker would not observe her departure. Moments later the carriage pulled away. Crofford House and everything else Lily valued were left behind her.

Little more than four hours earlier she had struck down the man who had tried to kill her. He might be recovered from his injuries by now, ready to hunt her again. An uncontrollable shiver racked her body, and she lowered the black net veil to hide her fear from Gretchen.

The maid seemed excited over the prospect of this journey, and she had readily agreed to accompany her mistress to an unknown destination. Only a handful of the earl’s town servants accompanied the family to Crofford Hills when they retired to the country, and Gretchen was not among that number. Lily wondered if the girl had ever been beyond the boundaries of London. She was about to ask that question when the carriage rolled to a stop.

“We can’t possibly be at the Two Swans already.” Lily leaned forward just as Digsby appeared at the carriage door with an explanation.

“Pardon me, my lady.”

Lily anticipated the bow before it came. Lord, the king’s servants didn’t bow as much as this man did. “Yes, Digsby?”

“Jack reminded me that my missus will worry, as quickly as we left earlier this evening. As long as we had to pass by His Grace’s residence, I thought you might not mind if we stopped ever so quickly to put my wife’s worries to rest.”

“You’re married, Digsby?”

Well, that wasn’t very tactful, she decided, glad for the veil that hid her embarrassment over her rude question. No reason the man wouldn’t be married. After all, Vicar Robbins said there was someone for everybody. A wife for Digsby proved the point.

“My wife is employed as the cook, my lady.” Digsby kept his hands at his sides and stood at rigid attention. Lily finally realized he was waiting for her permission.

“You must certainly put her mind at ease,” she offered, with a wave toward the door. “Do hurry, Digsby. We haven’t much time.”

“My lady.” He dropped into the bow she was starting to find annoying.

Digsby walked up the steps and disappeared inside the house as Lily lowered the window curtain on the carriage door. Veiled or not, she was uneasy about the possibility of being seen in front of the duke’s residence.

Remmington was inside that house, just a few steps away. Why did the knowledge bring with it a small rush of excitement? Lily frowned and leaned away from the window. Their brief but eventful acquaintance was at an end.

At least she didn’t have to worry about seeing him again until she returned from Brighton. That might be weeks. Perhaps months. He would very likely be married in the meantime. She must use this time to forget Remmington and her childish infatuation with him. That thought made her sigh, for she could sooner forget her name. She missed him already; his air of authority, the gentle way he held her, the tenderness in his expression when they stood before Crofford House. She’d wanted him to put his arms around her then, to draw her closer, to—

“Are we really in a duke’s carriage?” Gretchen asked. The maid brushed her hand over the tufted seats and reverently touched the velvet upholstery of the walls. The brass trim of the doors and fittings sparkled like gold in the soft light that glowed from the carriage lantern, and rich mahogany gleamed along the trim.

Gretchen shot Lily a guilty look and returned her hands to a prim position on her lap, her eyes downcast. “Sorry, my lady. I didn’t mean to be so forward.”

Lily smiled. She doubted whether Gretchen had known an
un
forward moment in her life. “I don’t mind your questions. Yes, it is a duke’s carriage. He’s the employer of Jack and Mr. Digsby, and the other men at the house tonight.”

“Is he one of your suitors? The duke, that is.” Gretchen fidgeted uncertainly when Lily took a moment to reply.

“No. He is courting another lady.” Lily wondered how they’d gotten onto this subject. “Don’t you have a beau yourself, Gretchen?”

“Oh, no, miss. I had one a long time ago, but he married my best friend. Wasn’t much interested after that. I’m not the sort to draw a man’s attention anyway.”

“Well, I don’t agree,” Lily said kindly. She inspected the maid with a critical eye, looking for some trait to praise. The girl’s hair was a nondescript shade of brown, her eyes murky green. She had the sort of face that would look very motherly in a few more years. Though not obese, Gretchen was certainly on the plump side. “You’ve a very nice complexion and a pleasant face, Gretchen.”

“Why, thank you, miss.” Gretchen’s cheeks glowed from the praise. “I’m afraid the men don’t seem to see it that way. Then again, could be the right one hasn’t seen me yet!”

Lily began to chuckle over Gretchen’s outlook on men, but the laughter caught in her throat. The carriage door snapped open and a hand reached inside to wrap around her wrist. She could barely draw a breath before she found herself yanked out of the carriage.

“Remmington!” Lily tried to keep her feet underneath her as he pulled up the steps toward his house. He didn’t acknowledge his name, barely seemed to notice that she was at his side as he towed her along. His mouth was set in a straight, determined line, the dark expression on his face nearly frightening. She looked lower and realized he was wearing a black satin robe. His strong, bare legs emerged from the folds of the garment with every long stride. “Good Lord. You’re on the street in your robe! Have you lost your wits?”

“I seem to recall you in a similar state not so long ago,” he said in a faintly mocking tone. His stride didn’t break as he continued into the house. He passed through a door into the library, slammed the door shut behind them, then led her to a low couch and pushed on her shoulders until she sat down.

“You’re staying here.”

Of all the things he could have said to her, that was the last thing she expected to hear. In fact, it wasn’t even on the list. “I’m
what
?”

“You’re staying here. In my house.” He planted his hands on his hips and stared down at her. The look in his eyes dared her to defy him. “Digsby told me that your father sent you packing to some elderly aunt’s house in the country. I’ve never heard of anything so ludicrous in my life. Until I can talk reason into your father, you’ll stay here.”

“I will do no such thing!” As she stood up to face him, it dawned on her that Remmington thought he was doing her a favor. He’d rescued her once tonight, and now he seemed to feel responsible for her safety. She appreciated his concern, yet how could she tell him that she didn’t need to be rescued? The windows reflected long, gray shadows and she knew her time was about to run out. The mail coach would leave in less than half an hour. She had to leave.

Physical strength wouldn’t win this argument. Her wits would. Or rather, what would appear to be a lack of them. Men could be persistent when they set their mind to something, yet she could be equally evasive. She calmly drew the netting aside and arranged the veil over her hat. “I do appreciate your concern, Your Grace, but I simply cannot remain here another moment. My coach will leave the Two Swans no later than seven o’clock, and I must be on my way.”

He studied her for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face, then he shook his head. “There’s no hurry. You aren’t going to West Wycombe on a public coach.”

“But of course I am. Papa planned this himself. He would be very upset to learn that you detained me, that I am in your house unchaperoned. Can you imagine the scandal should anyone learn of this visit?” It wasn’t hard to look horrified by the possibility. Men fought duels over far less serious matters. He must know the possible consequences, yet she decided to give him a reminder. “My family would surely demand satisfaction, for my reputation would be in shreds. It would mean social ruin for us both. Please don’t be stubborn about this, Remmington. I’m leaving.”

“You’re not.”

Lily gritted her teeth. “You can’t keep me here.”

“Really?”

The implication that he might use physical force to get what he wanted made her hesitate. The thought alarmed her, yet what he wanted wasn’t so very offensive. He meant to keep her safe, and he’d obviously decided to do whatever it would take to insure as much. If only the situation were as simple as it appeared. He deserved gratitude rather than an argument. Unfortunately, her feelings on the matter didn’t change any of the facts. She had to leave.

“I believe kidnapping is a very serious offense,” she said. “My maid will go straight to my father when I don’t return to the carriage. His gratitude will be short-lived when he learns you are holding me here against my will. He will very likely press charges.”

Remmington shrugged off her warning. “I’m certain your maid is having a nice hot cup of tea in my kitchens at this very moment. Digsby is already on his way back to your house to collect the rest of my men. He will also inform the earl that I wish to have lunch with him at our club to discuss certain changes in your travel plans. If he insists on sending you to West Wycombe, then I will take you there personally. It won’t be any great feat to get you back into my carriage without being seen, and to West Wycombe without being recognized.” His gaze lowered to inspect her somber mourning clothes, his tone disdainful. “I doubt even Great-aunt What’s-her-name will recognize you in that awful getup.”

Lily didn’t take offense over the insult. His plan sounded reasonable. It would be much safer to travel in Remmington’s carriage than in a mail coach. She could even picture herself in his coach. He would have his arm around her again, and her head would rest against his shoulder. The gentle swaying of the coach would lull them both to sleep, but he would hold her securely in his arms, safe in his care. She released a wistful sigh. His plan tempted her. Unfortunately, there were just a few minor flaws in his scheme, such as the fact that Great-aunt Amelia had died three years ago, the woman had never lived a day in West Wycombe, and he must never learn her true destination.

She had to leave.

“You’ve done more than enough already,” she said, trying desperately to think up a logical argument. “I cannot allow you to inconvenience yourself any further on my account. Gretchen and I will be quite safe on the mail coach. I expect the journey will prove uneventful, probably even tedious. You know how very dull long journeys can be. There is no need for you to endure that long ride to West Wycombe, my lord. If you are truly so concerned about my safety, I shall have my father send you notice of my safe arrival. Of course, you are more than welcome to accompany me to the Two Swans, although I daresay you might be recognized. You know how crowded the inns can be when the mail coaches depart. And of course you are hardly dressed for an outing, so that might not be such a sound idea after all. We are rather pressed for time, you see. I think it best if we go on ahead to the Two Swans without you.”

Remmington frowned, then he turned the tables on her. “It is done, Lily. You will not set foot from this house until after I speak with your father. You may make yourself comfortable here in the library until that time, or avail yourself of a guest room to rest for a few hours. Considering the fact that neither of us has slept tonight, I highly recommend the rest. I intend to sleep a few hours myself until my appointment with your father. I’m certain you’ll want something more comfortable than that dress to sleep in, so I’ll have your trunk taken upstairs to your room. You may rest easier knowing I will have one of my men posted outside your door. Would you like a cup of tea, or perhaps even a glass of sherry before you retire?”

It was Lily’s turn to frown. “I’m leaving.”