Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (10 page)

“No. My intuition tells me there’s more.”

“Parker, you’re just too damn suspicious.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” he said. “But the lady has secrets I mean to uncover.”

“Everyone has secrets.” Lucas chuckled and tapped his pipe on the rail.

“Doesn’t it bother you that she claims to be of the serving class, yet she’s a close playmate with a duke’s brother? I thought it odd that first night at dinner, but never followed up on it.”

“So?” Lucas stopped filling his pipe. His searching stare landed on Parker’s face. “It doesn’t matter. You’ll just get into trouble if you persist. You know that, don’t you?”

“I’m puzzled is all,” Parker stated firmly, not yielding to Lucas’s warning tone. “She’s not of the serving class. Her bearing and clothes attest to the fact.”

“What does it matter?” Lucas sighed. “Her secrets don’t affect us.” He continued eyeing Parker, who shrugged.
“Oh no! Don’t shrug like you have no idea what I’m saying. You’ve got that unbending expression on your face, and it worries me.”

“You’re not even a little bit curious?” His eyebrows rose. “The lady’s story has too many inconsistencies.”

“I’ve learned not to get involved in what doesn’t concern me. My concern is making it safely to the shores of America, selling my cargo, and buying more to sell in England. I haven’t time to worry over passengers I took on to help a friend.”

“Well, I am curious,” Parker said with a steely resolve. “And I’m not about to let it go."

“Which proves my point. Passengers are just too much trouble and not worth what I charge,” Lucas said in a disgruntled manner. “You’re not going to stop, are you?”

“No. It’s not in my nature to let it go, at least not till I get some better answers.”

“Your single-mindedness is wasted energy.” Lucas’s teasing grin formed, showing what he thought of his single-mindedness.

“It’s my energy to waste. The lady’s an enigma and her inconsistencies intrigue me.”

“Why do you have to be so damned stubborn?” Lucas shook his head in defeat. He took a puff off his pipe, then added in a resigned voice, “We all have secrets. What can it hurt to let her keep hers?”

Parker didn’t answer right away. When he spoke his voice was just above a whisper. “I wish I could let it drop. But I can’t.”

“Fine.” Lucas nodded in the direction of the stairs. “I’m going below for a few hours of much-needed sleep. I’ll see you later.”

Parker watched him storm off and sighed. His interest in Miss Layton irritated Lucas. He wiped his face and raked a hand through his hair, trying to understand his motives.

Why this urgent need to find out more about her? He walked a fine line, his attraction held in check because of enormous willpower. Pulling tautly on the lines would only test his willpower further. Damn it all, he sensed she hid something, and more than anything, he wanted to know what. If he couldn’t have her, he could at least appease his curiosity.

Suddenly a thought struck. He hadn’t been this interested in anything in a long time. The surge of excitement strumming through his veins over discovering Miss Layton’s secrets told him he was definitely interested now. The fact that he should be running in the opposite direction rather than appeasing his curiosity didn’t faze him any. He could keep his needs in check. Hell, he’d already done so for two weeks.
If nothing else, following up on gut instinct would keep his mind occupied on something other than his yearning.

With one last look at the water, his smile broadened. His mind churned, working on the task of figuring out how to best go about learning the lovely lady’s secrets.

Markham Collingswood tossed the bound file he’d just read on his desk and pulled the bell cord to summon Putnam. “Find Geoff,” he said, the instant he spied his butler at his study door. “I need to speak with him as soon as possible.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Putnam turned hastily around.

The report said it all. Geoff was definitely involved in the lady’s disappearance. He glanced out the window and sighed, pulling a hand through his hair.

After interviewing his brother at great length weeks earlier, he’d found him as uncommunicative as ever. He’d obtained nothing useful, and probably never would. Not from Geoff. So he’d begun his own investigation into the lady’s disappearance, calling in his man of business who’d always done all of his information gathering discreetly, albeit thoroughly.

Twenty minutes later Geoff strode into his office and up to his desk. He offered a perfect bow, asking insolently, “You requested my presence, Your Grace?”

“Sit down. I’m in no mood for your impertinence this morning.” Markham stood and walked around his desk. Leaning nonchalantly against it, he crossed his arms and legs, snaring his brother’s gaze. “I’m most put out with you at this moment, so you’d best drop the facade. I know you helped her get out of London.”

All insolence faded as stunned disbelief replaced impudence. “How?” he asked, plopping into the chair in front of Markham without breaking eye contact.

“I’ve my ways.” Markham mentally rolled his eyes and smiled. “Did you really think you could hide your involvement from me for long?” Heaving a sigh born of frustration, he added, “I’m on your side, Geoff. It will only take me a little longer to find out exactly where she disappeared to, so why don’t you save me the effort and talk?”

“I can’t just yet.” He tilted his head at a determined angle and his eyes revealed a stubborn glint. “She needs time to make it to her destination.”

“You were seen going north. How long do you think it’s going to take Kentworth to ferret that out, if he hasn’t already?”

“He won’t.” Geoff’s confident mien had returned. “We were careful. She and her maid were dressed as boys.”

“Don’t be too sure.” Gazes locked. The two entered a stare-off. Judging from Geoff’s expression, he wasn’t about to divulge any more than he had to. It was time to take another tack in dealing with his recalcitrant brother. “I know I told you honor dictates that I help him find her, but my first priority is to the lady. Since she’s taken great pains to disappear, I’m thinking she has good reason. Let me help, if I can.”

Noting indecision seep into Geoff’s eyes, he pushed further. “I promise to keep your confidence. This is serious. My resources are much better than
his, and my methods more thorough. Still, it will only be a matter of time and money before the earl learns of your involvement. I know his type too well. Greed will keep him from spending too much in the beginning, but once he becomes desperate, he’ll increase his efforts. I’ve had him investigated. He’s hurting financially and needs Lady Penelope’s holdings and wealth.” Something else his man of affairs had uncovered. “He won’t let his heiress go without a fight. Lytton Mines are too valuable to give up, and given the manner in which he’s been conducting business, it’s evident he considers them his.”

Leaning forward and gripping his arm, Markham said earnestly, “Please let me help.”

Geoff sat back, his focus landing at some spot on Markham’s desk. “You promise you won’t put her back in that monster’s clutches if I tell you?”

“I promise to do what’s best for the lady, not Kentworth. But if he finds her first, you’ll lose your opportunity to help her. Of that, I’m sure. Now tell me, and let me see what I can do to help.”

Geoff was silent for a bit longer, his expression torn. “I can’t let the earl near her,” he whispered. “She hates him and is deathly afraid of him. She wouldn’t tell me what he did to cause her reaction, but her fear is real and I’ve no intention of letting that man marry her. I’ll kill him first.”

Noting the depth of emotion in his brother’s words, Markham had no doubt his brother meant them. “Talk like that isn’t going to help Lady Penelope,” he said, keeping his tone steady and not releasing Geoff’s gaze. When it was obvious Geoff wasn’t inclined to add more, Markham prodded, “Where did she go and what are your plans?”

Geoff averted his eyes and stared at his hands, remaining speechless.

Markham waited.

Finally his brother sighed. “She sailed to America.”

“America!” the duke said a little too loudly and sounding totally stunned. “And you let her go?”

“It seemed a good idea at the time for her to follow Mindy. It was either that or Scotland and he’d find her there.”

“My God, she must’ve been desperate to make such a journey, leaving all she loved behind.”

“She was desperate. Now that her parents are dead, there’s nothing here for her anymore. She told me that if she had to marry the earl, she might as well join them.” He glanced at Markham, his eyes flashing a fervency all but shouting he believed his next words. “If I hadn’t come to her aid, and they were indeed married, she would’ve taken her own life.”

“She’d have never done that.” Markham shook his head. “Ending one’s life is a mortal sin.”

“She told me she’d rather live an eternity in hell than be bound to evil in life.”

“Was it truly so bad for her?” A sliver of guilt washed over him. Could he have done more to protect his friend’s daughter?
A girl who’d been like a younger sister as feisty and loveable as Geoff.

“Why do you think I helped her?” Geoff asked. “I’ve always loved her, but I understood her duty to marry the earl and was content to let her go.” His gaze returned to Markham’s desk in contemplation once more. Eventually he glanced at Markham, pain and honesty revealed in his eyes. “Though I hadn’t seen her for five years, I still love her,” he whispered. Pounding a fist onto the chair’s armrest, he added, “I couldn’t just walk away after she asked for my help.”

Markham’s eyebrows shot up. “How did you learn she was in London?”

“One of the earl’s servants gave me her sealed message. The bastard had kept her a virtual prisoner, with Mindy her only company. We planned a chance meeting in the park. Later when I realized how desperate she was, I went to his house while he was out.”

“Why didn’t you come to me? I could’ve helped.”

“Lady Penelope told me you’d argued about the betrothal, said you called her spoiled and ungrateful.”

Marcus winced, remembering his careless words during their last meeting. “All right, I understand why she went to you, but wasn’t going to his house a bit risky?”

“No.” Geoff grunted derisively. “His servants hate him and you know how servants have always loved Lady Penelope. The earl’s are no exception. They helped with her escape. I accompanied them, both dressed as boys. When we rode together, we acted as if we were traveling separately. I even split off from them, taking a later mail coach several times to avoid being together the entire journey. Mindy’s brother met us at an inn a short ride from Newcastle upon Tyne to escort them the rest of the way, and I rode back to London without stopping so as not to raise suspicion.”

“Why go north and not south?”

“I knew Lucas Davis’s ship would be in port traveling to America and I knew I could trust him.”

“You involved my business partner in this?” His voice increased tenfold in volume. “How could you?”

“I had no choice,” Geoff said in his defense. “I trusted no one else. I didn’t tell him exactly whom he’d be escorting across the ocean, just said that we were good friends and to treat them well. Mindy’s mother paid her voyage and I paid for Penelope’s. I also gave her all the funds I could, several hundred pounds, which should tide her over until we meet again after my birthday, when I finally inherit father’s bequest. I’m joining her and we’re to be married.”

The words, spoken with such certainty, left Markham speechless and he could only stare silently at his brother. After several minutes, he straightened and walked over to the window, looking out without seeing the landscape, too absorbed in his thoughts. “So you were just going to disappear without telling anyone?” he asked, turning back to Geoff, not sure why his brother’s lack of faith in him hurt.

“I’d have sent word once the deed was done and Penny was safely married to me,” he whispered. “Because of your position I decided to keep you out of it.”

“You didn’t trust me enough?” He met his brother’s gaze and couldn’t stop the anguish the idea evoked from showing in his features. He’d failed in his role as surrogate father.

After holding his stare without flinching, Geoff cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I know it grieves you to think I could be so cruel and you still think me a child, but she’s my life now. I couldn’t risk it. Not even for you.”

The duke smiled wistfully. The unwavering resolve evident in Geoff’s handsome features added years to his youthful face, giving him a mature wisdom Markham had never noticed before. Maybe he hadn’t failed after all. The man before him knew exactly what he wanted and he’d do whatever it took to achieve it. “’Tis funny, but until this very moment, I didn’t realize how much you have grown up. You are indeed a man with conviction to have risked my wrath for her.” Sighing, he added, “I wish you happiness, Geoff, and I’ll help you any way I can.” Markham’s gaze returned to the window. “It won’t be easy. Knowing the earl like I do, he won’t stop until he has her back under his control. The mines are too valuable. You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”

“Yes. It’s why she was willing to travel to the ends of the earth.”

Markham’s smile grew at his confident tone. “Did she keep to her disguise on board ship?”

“No, I didn’t see the need. In such close quarters, the crew would learn the ruse quickly enough, which might raise more questions.”

“Then be prepared for the earl to find her,” he said, shaking his head.

“No.” Geoff’s fist hit the chair’s arm again. “The United States is a big place and he won’t know where to look. We’ve planned well.”

“Yes, I can see that. To be on the safe side, I think you should adjust your plans.” When Geoff started to disagree, Markham held up a hand. “Hear me out. With an added inducement of money, Kentworth will eventually find someone who remembers her, as the lady is one who stands out in one’s memory. By the time Lucas’s ship returns, he’ll most likely be desperate enough to spend whatever it takes to learn her whereabouts and I have no doubt he’ll follow her. To the ends of the earth, if need be.”

“What do you propose? Penny’s supposed to write once she gets settled in California.”

“California?” His head snapped up and he couldn’t contain his horror. “Good God, Geoff, how could you let her travel across a wild country alone and unprotected?”

“I had little choice. It was her idea. She was set on going and you know her. She’d have figured out a way to do it with or without my help. This way, at least I know where she is, and in six months I’m to meet her and we’ll be married.”

Markham sighed, rubbing his temples. He should have expected something like this from the willful girl who’d always involved Geoff in her schemes. As a child, she’d been a handful, wrapping both Geoff and her father around her little finger with her charm and beguiling ways. Of course Robert Lytton’s indulgence only encouraged her outlandish behavior.

Geoff undoubtedly needed his help in covering contingencies the naive lady wouldn’t think of. His brother’s plan seemed the best alternative for now, so Markham would go along with it, hiding his involvement at the same time.

In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he liked it, especially after learning of the mine accident that took ten lives. Penny’s father would never have let the men work in such conditions. Like Markham, Robert had been an advocate for change, putting the miners’ safety ahead of profits. The accident proved the earl was only interested in money.

“Lady Penelope shouldn’t be too hard to follow. I’ll have Jones make a few inquiries to see about departing ships.” His man of affairs could be counted on for discretion. The couple could marry and settle in a country separated from England by an ocean. Hopefully, by the time Kentworth learned of it, he’d have no legal recourse, as his guardianship would have ended. Then he could help Geoff and Lady Penelope manage her inheritance. Markham had his own mines to run, so adding hers would place little burden on him. “Once I find out all the specifics, I’ll travel with you on your journey, and we’ll go a little sooner than planned. It won’t take much to rework my schedule to accommodate a sea voyage.” He rubbed his hands together, grinning, his mind spinning. “In fact, I relish the idea of seeing where my partner lives. He tells me it’s nothing like the savage place I imagine. Now I’ll have an opportunity to see for myself.”

~~

“Mr. Terrance Winters to see you, my lord,” Ferguson announced, interrupting the Earl of Kentworth’s thoughts as he contemplated the dilemma of his missing ward.

Gerald nodded curtly. “Good, see him in.”

A moment later Winters entered the room. “The younger Collingswood was seen climbing into a mail coach a day’s ride from London several weeks ago,” he said, halting a foot from the earl’s desk. “Not your usual form of transport for the brother of a duke, wouldn’t you say?”

“Any sign of Lady Penelope or her maid?” the earl asked, his eyes alight with excitement. He pointed to the chair in front of his desk, indicating for the runner to have a seat.