Part 48 (1/2)

”You underestimate his resolve,” Lady Caroline said, growing exasperated by my failure to quake in fear. ”If Sophia takes the throne, he stands to be one of the most powerful men in the country, and his return from the grave has emboldened him.You must flee.Tonight.Take what you can carry and leave London. If you do not, you will be dead before morning, and your secrets will be in Albert's hands.”

”I will not flee,” I said. ”I would have to abandon my home and my wealth.”

”Leave your d.a.m.n wealth!” she shouted at me.”You stole it from my friends once they saw what you had done to me.The money is as vile as your terrible secret. Besides,” she added with a sneer, ”I have no doubt a man of your stripe can always procure more.”

I did not love that she should judge me so, but I knew I was not entirely undeserving of her rebuke.

Indeed, I was prepared to tell her as much when my serving man-James, I called him, though I did not know his real name-came into the room to tell me that there were two men outside, one of whom could not be called a gentleman, and they both insisted upon seeing me at once.

Lady Caroline gasped. ”I did not think them to come so soon.”

I turned to my man. ”In a few moments, I will ask you to lead Lady Caroline out the back way and to safety. I shall deal with these men myself.”

”No!” Lady Caroline exclaimed. ”They will kill you!”

”Perhaps they believe they will,” I replied.

I asked the serving man to hold them off for a few more minutes.When he left the room, I turned back to Lady Caroline. ”I will not run from my own home, and I will not see you hurt. He cannot know you were here.”

She nodded, and then, to my surprise, she reached out and took my hand. She yet wore her gloves, but my own hand was naked, and the smoothness of the satin was exquisite.

”I will never again allow you to come to harm,” I said.

She took away her hand. It was like having my heart torn from my chest. ”I wish things might have been different between us,” she said.

I wanted to tell her that they still might be, but I did not think she would want to hear those words just now, so I nodded and sent her on her way. I then directed my man to admit Sir Albert. My orders were that my man would show him the way to the parlor but not enter it himself.

When Sir Albert entered a few minutes later, I was prepared. I stood in my parlor, goblet of wine in my hand, sword at my side, prominently displayed. My suit was very well cut, emphasizing my own handsome physique-the strength in my shoulders and calves was quite evident. Sir Albert might have been a large man himself, but I fancied I made an imposing figure.

Sir Albert walked through the door, and I began to wonder if I had been overly optimistic. I had forgotten just how tall, just how fit he had been that day at his house. He strode into the room like a giant entering a village he was prepared to crush under his boots. And he was not the worst of it. By his side was a nasty-looking fellow in rough clothes, though neat. He was not as tall as Sir Albert, but he was brutish in appearance, animal-like, with a low brow, long hair, a protruding muzzle, and scars across his face. He grinned at me, showing a set of uneven teeth, ranging in color from yellow to black.

Should the situation descend to physical violence, I had no doubt that I would be bested, but I was my father's son. I did not allow others to determine the manner in which events unfolded. I made those determinations for myself.There would be no violence but upon my terms. These men would leave, and have gained nothing for their efforts.