“I am sure that he will. But that is all the more reason for you to take us. You do not know what he is capable of. I do. Perhaps…”
Suddenly, an idea came to Winnifred.
“I think I have an idea, Seth. Taking them with us might just bring back Leo and Rose—and we may have a chance to punish Elton for what he’s done.” She blinked, suddenly playful. “Your Grace, when is the last time you have planted a facer on somebody?”
For a moment, Seth looked at her utterly startled, but then a grin spread across his handsome face.
“Miss Keating, I must say I am rather shocked at your suggestion. I am a Peer of the Realm, and I do not habitually plant facers on anybody. Though, I am rather skilled at hand-to-hand combat, if that is your question.”
She grinned at him. “Good. Very good.” As Seth made his way toward the front door, Winnie turned to mother and daughter. “Frances, Helena, let us go. Your path to freedom awaits at the hands of His Grace. But first, I must request this—do you have a quill and ink?”
Chapter 32
The following afternoon, the woman and her daughter were settled at Winnifred’s home, their plan set in motion. Seth stretched his fingers, and pain soared up his arm, causing him to wince.
“Your Grace, would you like some more ice?” Mary asked, her attention withdrawn from the tea she was currently serving.
“No, Mary, it is already getting better. But I thank you. When I return to Lester House this evening, I will be sure to have the housekeeper apply some more of your tincture. It has helped.”
Mary curtsied and then continued pouring tea for Winnifred, Victoria, Frances, and little Helena.
A day had passed since he planted a facer on the guard standing outside Elton’s home. It has been surprisingly easy. It wasn’t as if Seth was in the habit of punching criminals in the face, although it had felt like it. Then, as he remembered the crunch as his fist connected with the man’s nose, he shuddered. The sound had been disturbing. But it did the trick.
Mother and daughter had been safely tucked away at Winnifred’s home since then. They decided against taking them to Lester House simply because Winnifred assumed that a home filled with a cat, kittens, and a dog would make Helena feel a lot more comfortable. And she was right. Helena sat on the chaise, her legs crossed, and two of the kittens were sleeping in her lap. Pugsley, the dog, sat beside Frances, who gently scratched the dog between the ears.
Bell, the cat, was perched on top of the fireplace mantle and kept a careful eye on the little girl and her babies. It was idyllic—almost. Yes, if Leo and Rose had been there, it would have been a beautiful afternoon. However, they weren’t. Not yet.
“So, what is the plan?” Frances asked as she picked up a cup of tea delicately. “What if my husband does not find the letter you left?”
Winnifred shook her head. “There is no chance of that at all. I left it right on the table in your formal drawing room. He will know that you are with us. And he will get in touch.”
“Winnifred is correct. I suspect we will have a reply from your husband any moment now,” Seth confirmed and joined the party. He lingered behind Winnie’s chair, one hand on the back of it and the other so close to her shoulder his fingertips gently touched her through her thin, silk gown.
He remained mesmerized by her quick wit. It had been Winnifred’s idea to leave a note for Elton, letting him know just who had helped free his wife and daughter. The letter also informed him that they knew their siblings were alive, and they were open to negotiations. Yes, finally, they had the upper hand, thanks to Frances and Helena.
“You will not make us go back to him, will you?” Helena said with wide eyes and a fearful voice. “If he promises to return Lady Rose and Lord Drayton?”
“You will never have to go back. That will never happen.” Seth promised. “Once we hear from your father, we will make a plan. And the plan will result in the return of my sister and Leo. And your freedom.”
“Do you suppose we should call on Mr. Markham?”
Seth smiled at Winnifred. “Ah, Winnie, I have already sent a messenger to him, as well as to Mr. Weston. Of course, I do not want to involve the Bow Street Runners, not after their terrible conduct at Vauxhall Gardens. However, I would like Mr. Weston’s advice. And of course, Mr. Markham’s.”
“I can only apologize again for what my husband has done to your family. It hurts my heart knowing the pain he has inflicted upon both of you. I can never thank you enough for rescuing us out of that awful situation.”
Seth shook his head. “There is no need to thank us. We only did what was right. And you must not apologize for the actions of your husband. You bear no responsibility. You are an innocent party, just as our siblings are. Just as so many victims of crimes are. Believe me when I tell you this, with your help, the Roamers will be brought to justice. I promise you.”
Seth walked over to the window and looked out over the streets of London. From Winnifred’s drawing room, the park beyond was visible. Revelers, old and young, made their way to the park, and Seth wished for nothing more than to be just as carefree as these people.
“Soon, soon, this will all be over. I can feel it in my bones.” Winnie said as she stepped up beside him.
Seth gently took her hand, caressing it with his fingertips before removing his hand again. He did not wish to be to so open with his affections to her. Not even in front of her sister and their guests. They weren’t as yet officially betrothed, and he didn’t want to put their newfound bond at risk by making it too obvious.
Somehow, it doesn’t seem right to declare my love for her in a public manner without speaking to Leo first. How wonderful it will be when I can finally tell him that I so ardently love his sister and that I wish to make her my wife. Just when he will tell me the same about my sister.
Seth smiled to himself as he looked out onto the street, next to the woman he loved. With any good fortune, they would be together as a family soon, and their future—free from secrets and constraints—could commence.
Together they stood and watched the road until, suddenly, from a distance the figure of a man cloaked in black rushed down the street.
